Greek Fried Squid in Parsley and Lemon Batter Kalamarakia

Ingredients

• 3 lbs small squid, cleaned and bodies cut into narrow rings, tentacles left whole
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground white pepper
• olive oil or peanut oil, for frying
• 2 lemons, cut into 6 wedges

Directions

1. 1

   Rinse the cleaned squid and pat very dry. Mix the flour, parsley, zest, salt, and cayenne together in a large bowl. Add the squid and toss to coat well.

2. 2

   Pour oil to a depth of 1/2 inch into a large skillet and heat over medium high heat until hot. Place as much squid in the pan as will fit in one uncrowded layer and fry until beginning to turn golden, about 30 seconds. Turn and fry on the other side until golden all over, about 30 seconds more. Transfer to paper towels to drain, and repeat until all the squid are fried, adding more oil and reheating to the smoking point as necessary.

3. 3

   Mound on a platter or individual plates, garnish with the lemon wedges, and serve right away. Serves 6.

4. 4

   Adventures In Greek Cooking.