Calamari Salad

By: Paul Rinaldi, Easton, Pennsylvania

Ingredients

  • 2-1/2 pounds cleaned fresh or frozen calamari (squid), thawed
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 3 anchovy fillets, minced, optional
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh Italian parsley
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or dry vermouth
  • 1 can (8 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained, optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup pitted Italian olives, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

How to Make

1. Chop calamari tentacles; cut body into 1/2-in. rings.

2. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add anchovies if desired; stir in parsley and garlic. Cook 1 minute. Add wine; stir in mushrooms, if desired, and seasonings. Add calamari; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until calamari is tender, 2-3 minutes. Remove pan from heat; cool slightly.

3. In a serving bowl, toss celery, olives, lemon juice and calamari mixture. May be served warm, or refrigerated and served cold.