Herbed Calamari Salad with Preserved Lemons
For All Stages of the ITG Diet Plan
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Ingredients
For 6 people (
)
Recipe
- 3 tablespoon(s) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 to 3 medium cloves garlic, smashed and minced
- 2.5 pound(s) cleaned, trimmed, uncooked calamari rings (optional, tentacles)
- 0.75 teaspoon(s) sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon(s) fresh ground black pepper
- 1 pinch(es) crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 large lemon, juiced
- 0.25 cup(s) finely chopped mint leaves
- 0.25 cup(s) finely chopped cilantro leaves
- 0.5 cup(s) finely chopped flat leaf parsley leaves
- 1 preserved lemon peel, thinly sliced
Herbed Calamari Salad with Preserved Lemons Directions
- Begin by defrosting the calamari (if purchased frozen). Place in a strainer and run under cold water for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing a couple of times, until soft and pliable. Drain water, pat dry with paper towels and set aside.
- Use a paring knife to remove just the rind from the preserved lemon. Discard the inside and thinly slice the rind.
- Smash garlic and mince. Finely chop cleaned mint, cilantro and parsley.
- Heat a very large skillet or frying pan over medium high heat. Once hot, add 1½ Tablespoons of olive oil. Heat oil and add garlic.
- Saute, stirring constantly, for 20 to 30 seconds until fragrant and add in defrosted and well-drained calamari (If your pan isn’t large enough to accommodate all the calamari in one layer, divide the 1½ T olive oil and cook the calamari in batches. You do not want them to steam, you want them to sear and for that, they must cook in a single layer with some room around them).Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper and continue cooking for 2 to 4 minutes or until opaque and just firm. You do not want to overcook the calamari or it be have a rubbery texture.
- Drain off any liquid that is released during cooking and remove cooked calamari to a mixing bowl.
- Add remaining 1½ Tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, preserved lemon rind and herbs to mixing bowl and toss well while calamari still warm.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary, cover and chill until ready to serve. This is nice served over some spring greens or other delicate lettuce with some ripe cucumbers or grape tomatoes.
