"Better than Fried Calamari" Spanish Calamari in Onion Sauce

calamari

🥗Healthier: shrimp

💰Cheaper: squid

Shrimp is lower in calories and squid is often more affordable.

white wine

🥗Healthier: broth

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Broth adds flavor without alcohol, vinegar is more cost-effective.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while canola is often less expensive.

paprika

🥗Healthier: smoked paprika

💰Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Smoked paprika offers depth, cayenne is usually cheaper.

Heat a large fry pan over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.

Thinly slice 3 medium sized onions and roughly chop 3 cloves of garlic.

Add onions and garlic to the hot fry pan and season with sea salt, mixing every 2 to 3 minutes.

Slice 3 cleaned tubes of squid into rings that are 1/2 inch thick and squares that are 1 inch x 1 inch.

After 15 to 20 minutes, when the onions are slightly caramelized, add the squid to the fry pan and mix.

After 4 to 5 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of sweet smoked Spanish paprika and mix quickly.

Add 1/2 cup of tomato sauce and season with sea salt and black pepper, mixing well.

Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the tomato sauce slightly thickens.

Add 1/2 cup of dry white wine and 1/2 cup of vegetable broth, along with 1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads, and mix gently.

Turn the heat to high until it comes to a boil, then lower to low medium heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the squid is tender.

Remove from heat, transfer to a serving dish, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary