Crispy Calamari Delight

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) fresh calamari rings 1 lb (450g) fresh calamari rings
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120ml) sparkling water 1/2 cup (120ml) sparkling water
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving Lemon wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually whisk in the sparkling water until a smooth batter forms.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (180°C).
4. 4.
   Dip each calamari ring into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated, and carefully place it into the hot oil.
5. 5.
   Fry the calamari rings in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Remove the fried calamari rings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the Crispy Calamari Delight hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over the calamari.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Calamari — Ensure that the calamari rings are fresh and properly cleaned before using them in the recipe. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, as this will help the batter adhere better.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy texture, you can double-coat the calamari rings by dipping them in the batter twice before frying.
• Serve the Crispy Calamari Delight immediately after frying to maintain its crispiness.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces such as aioli, marinara, or sweet chili sauce to add variety to the dish.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter mixture.
• To make the dish more visually appealing, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Calamari Delight as an appetizer or main course. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or a side of crispy French fries.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown calamari rings on a platter, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. Serve with the dipping sauce on the side for an elegant presentation.