More to Calmari than Meets the Eye

Calamari is the Italian culinary name for squid. Squid is popular throughout the world because it's body, tentacles and ink can all be eaten. Thus it goes a long way when feeding many people. Most dining establishments in the US serve calamari fried. What you may not know is that this versatile creature can also be grilled, stuffed or made into a salad. There are so many ways to cook and serve calamari; so don't be afraid to try something new. Below is my favorite recipe for cooking calamari. If possible I buy the calamari whole. This allows me to have control over the size and thickness of the rings I cut. Ingredients 3lbs calamari cleaned and cut into rings 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup Marsala wine 1/4 cup white wine 1 tbs garlic chopped juice & rind from a 1/2 of lemon 1 tbs fresh basil chopped 1 tsp dried oregano salt and pepper to taste Preparation Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until golden. Add Marsala and wine. Reduce mixture slightly. Add lemon juice & rind. Let simmer for 1 minute. Sprinkle herbs over calamari and add to the skillet. Saute for 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve with pan juices.