Calamari

Available from the Fish Express Counter at Arkadia Foodstore Portomaso

What exactly are calamari?

Calamari is simply an Italian term used to refer to squid in the cooking profession. Squid, cephalopod molluscs known for their elongated bodies and tentacles, inhabit oceans worldwide, embodying a diverse array of species. These intelligent creatures possess remarkable features, including a streamlined body, a mantle enclosing a robust muscular structure, and a keen sense of sight. Their tentacles, armed with suction cups, aid in capturing prey and defence. Squid are vital components of marine ecosystems, serving as prey for numerous predators and contributing to the balance of oceanic food webs.

Integration in Various Cuisines

Squid finds its way into a myriad of cuisines across the globe, showcasing its adaptability and popularity. In Mediterranean cuisine, it stars as calamari fritti, fried to golden perfection, and served with tangy marinara sauce. In Asian cooking, particularly in Japanese cuisine, it shines as tempura or in sushi rolls, offering a delightful contrast of textures. Spanish cuisine celebrates calamari in dishes like calamares a la romana, showcasing its simplicity and freshness. In Greek cuisine, grilled calamari steals the spotlight with its smoky flavour and tender texture.

Recipe: Fried Calamari

Ingredients:

• 450g cleaned calamari tubes and tentacles
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Marinara sauce or aioli for dipping

A wide variety of quality ingredients for our recipes are available from Arkadia supermarkets in Malta and Gozo, including Arkadia FoodExpress Swatar and Arkadia Food Market Valletta.

Method:

1. Begin by preparing the calamari. If using them whole, clean them by removing the head, beak, and innards. Cut the tubes into rings and leave the tentacles whole.

2. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 190°C.

4. Dredge the calamari pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

5. Carefully drop the calamari into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

6. Remove the fried calamari from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

7. Repeat the frying process with the remaining pieces.

8. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your choice of marinara sauce or aioli for dipping.

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