Squid salad with natural potatoes
Salad with Calamari and New Potatoes: A Quick Mediterranean Delight
In this flavorful recipe, we will venture into the Mediterranean world, where fresh ingredients and enticing flavors intertwine to create a perfect meal for any occasion. The salad with calamari and new potatoes is an excellent choice for a quick yet impressive dinner that will win everyone’s hearts. This recipe is not only tasty but also packed with nutritional benefits, offering a rich source of protein and vitamins.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the salad with calamari:
- 3 large calamari
- 1 lemon (juice from half)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 ripe tomatoes
- 1 red onion
- 3 green onions
- A small salad (field or any preferred type)
- A few sprigs of fresh basil, for garnish
For the new potatoes:
- 600-700 g new potatoes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Juice from half a lemon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Calamari
The first step is to clean the calamari. Start by cutting the tentacles and separating them in half. Carefully remove the beak and eyes, then rinse the calamari well under cold running water. Once cleaned, cut the calamari into thick rings of 1-1.5 cm.
Practical Tips:
- Ensure the calamari are fresh, choosing ones with a pleasant sea aroma.
- You can ask the seller to clean them for you, saving time.
Once cleaned, place the calamari in a bowl and add olive oil, the juice from half a lemon, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let marinate in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Boiling the Potatoes
Meanwhile, wash the new potatoes with a scrubber to remove any impurities. Place them in a pot of salted water to boil. When the potatoes are nearly cooked (about 15 minutes), remove them from the water.
Step 3: Browning the Potatoes
In a non-stick skillet, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter. When the oil is hot, add the potatoes and brown them over high heat for a few minutes until golden. Finally, add salt, pepper, the juice from half a lemon, and the finely chopped parsley.
Step 4: Cooking the Calamari
Remove the calamari from the fridge, ensuring they are well-drained from the marinade. In a hot grill pan, fry the calamari over high heat for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, or they will become tough.
Step 5: Preparing the Salad
While the calamari are frying, you can prepare the vegetables. Cut the tomatoes, red onion, and green onions into suitable pieces. Mix the vegetables in a large bowl, adding salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice, then incorporate the fried calamari. Gently mix everything and garnish with basil leaves.
Step 6: Serving
Serve the salad with calamari alongside the new potatoes. This combination is not only a flavor explosion but also a visual feast.
Serving Suggestions
For an extra touch of flavor, you can add garlic mayonnaise or tzatziki sauce to the meal, which will perfectly complement the Mediterranean flavors.
Variations and Tips
- Ingredient variations: Instead of calamari, you can use shrimp or fish.
- Adding spices: You can experiment with spices like smoked paprika or oregano for a more intense flavor.
- Grilling: If you prefer, the calamari can be grilled, giving a distinctive smoky flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
- Calamari are an excellent source of protein, low in calories and rich in nutrients.
- New potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, essential for energy.
- Lemon adds vitamin C, contributing to strengthening the immune system.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should the calamari be fresh? Yes, it is recommended to use fresh calamari to avoid unpleasant taste and texture.
- Can I prepare the recipe in advance? It is better to prepare the salad and calamari fresh for maximum enjoyment, but you can prepare the potatoes ahead of time.
- What drinks pair well with this recipe? A dry white wine or a seafood cocktail pairs perfectly with this dish.
Conclusion
This salad recipe with calamari and new potatoes is an excellent choice for a quick yet sophisticated meal. With simple, fresh ingredients, you can create a dish worthy of a top restaurant. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by Mediterranean flavors, enjoying every bite! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: For the calamari salad: 3 medium calamari 1 lemon salt pepper 3-4 tablespoons olive oil 3 tomatoes 1 red onion 3 green onions small field salad (use whichever you have) a few basil leaves For the boiled potatoes: 600-700 grams new potatoes salt pepper 1-2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter fresh parsley juice from 1/2 lemon
