Calamares is a term commonly used to refer to a popular dish made from squid. It originated in Mediterranean cuisine and is enjoyed in various regions around the world. Calamares typically involves cleaning and preparing squid, then cooking it in different ways, such as frying, grilling, or sautéing.
Squid, also known as calamari, is the primary ingredient in calamares. It has a soft and delicate texture with a mildly sweet flavor. The squid’s body is often cleaned, and the tube-shaped body is cut into rings or sliced into strips for cooking. The tentacles can also be included in the dish, as they are edible and offer additional texture.
Calamares can be prepared using different cooking methods and seasoned with various spices and herbs to enhance the flavor. It is commonly served as an appetizer, tapas, or as part of a seafood platter. The crispy and tender texture of calamares, along with its savory taste, makes it a popular choice among seafood lovers.
Calamares Nutritional Facts
Calamares, which refers to squid dishes, are typically low in calories and fat but rich in protein and various essential nutrients. However, the specific nutritional content can vary based on factors such as the cooking method, additional ingredients used, and serving size.
Here are approximate nutritional facts for calamares, based on a standard recipe:
- Calories: On average, a serving of fried calamares (100 grams) contains around 150-200 calories. Grilled or sautéed calamares may have a slightly lower calorie content.
- Protein: Calamares are a good source of protein. A 100-gram serving can provide around 15-20 grams of protein.
- Fat: The fat content of calamares can vary depending on the cooking method and whether any additional oils or fats are used. Generally, calamares are low in fat, with most of the fat coming from the cooking method.
- Carbohydrates: Calamares are low in carbohydrates, and the carbohydrate content primarily comes from the coating or breading used in fried calamares.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Calamares are a good source of several essential minerals, including iron, phosphorus, potassium, and selenium. They also contain vitamins such as vitamin B12 and vitamin E.
How To Make Calamares?
Here’s my simple recipe to make calamares.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium size squid
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 pc egg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp granulated seasonings
- 1-2 cups cooking oil for frying
Instructions:
- Clean the squid properly and remove the outer skin before slicing.
- Season the sliced squid with salt, pepper, granulated seasonings & minced garlic.
- Mix them well and marinate it for atleast 30 minutes.
- Prepare 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup bread crumbs and beat 1pc egg for coating.
- Coat the marinated squid with flour, then egg and bread crumbs.
- Preheat a pan with 1-2 cups cooking oil.
- Deep fry the coated squid over medium heat until golden brown.
- Transfer to a serving plate and serve with ketchup or mayo.
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