Sicilian Style Breaded Calamari Fried with Potatoes

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornstarch

Whole wheat flour adds fiber while cornstarch can create a lighter coating.

breadcrumbs

🥗Healthier: panko breadcrumbs

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Panko provides a crunchier texture, while crushed crackers are often cheaper.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point, while vegetable oil is more budget-friendly.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free option, while pecorino is often less expensive.

Start by getting the ingredients ready for the calamari and potato bites.

Add enough plain flour to a bowl to coat both the calamari and the potatoes.

Break a couple of eggs into a bowl and beat them quickly.

Chop rosemary and sage finely for the marinade.

Add chopped parsley to the bowl with the herbs.

Add a mild chili pepper or chili flakes to the herb mixture for flavor.

Crush a large clove of garlic and add it to the herb mixture, adding a second medium clove for more flavor.

Add a couple of tablespoons of grana padano cheese to the mixture, avoiding pecorino.

Zest a lemon, being careful not to include the bitter white part, and add it to the mixture.

Season the mixture with a tiny amount of salt and black pepper, then mix everything together.

Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin pieces, about 1 cm thick, then chop them into cubes.

Place the calamari in the bowl with the flour and mix to coat thoroughly.

Dip the coated calamari into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.

Transfer the calamari to the breadcrumbs, using a spoon to coat them evenly, then set aside.

Repeat the coating process with the potatoes, starting with flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs.

Cover the coated potatoes to keep them fresh while cooking the calamari.

Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a pan on maximum heat for frying.

Test the oil temperature to ensure it is hot enough before frying.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens