Fried Calamari with Marinated Tomatoes, Chiles, and Basil

By David Harbilas

Calamari is such an easy, ubiquitous appetizer that it’s a wonder you don’t see it more on restaurant menus.

It also solves the problem of finding sustainable seafood, as squid are prolific, aggressive predators.

Most Italian eateries serve it with marinara and cherry peppers, and this is an obvious variation of that classic.

Finding the freshest ingredients is of the greatest importance, as they will make or break the dish. Mint is often used to cool the heat of the chiles in a dish like this, and here I opt for basil, which is in the mint family and goes well with the tomatoes.

Serves 4

• 1 pound calamari, cut into rings and tentacles separated from the bodies
• ½ cup cornmeal
• ½ cup flour Read the rest of this entry »