Fried Calamari

Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients:
Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
1 pound clean squid with tentacles, bodies cut into 1/3- to 1/2-inch-thick rings
2 cups all-purpose flour
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 lemons, cut into wedges
1 cup jarred marinara sauce, warmed

Instructions:
Pour enough oil into a heavy large saucepan to reach the depth of 3 inches. Heat over medium heat to 350 degrees F. Mix the flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Working in small batches, toss the squid in flour mixture to coat. Carefully add the squid to the oil and fry until crisp and very pale golden, about 1 minute per batch. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the fried calamari to a paper-towel lined plate to drain.

To serve, place the fried calamari and lemon wedges on a small platter. Sprinkle with salt. Serve with the marinara sauce. For a spicier marinara, add a few dashes of Tabasco sauce.