How to Make Fried Calamari (Calamari Fritti)

Squid is a very popular food in Italy, and it comes in many shapes and sizes with many different names: calamari, calamaretti, totani, seppie, etc.

Calamari are small squid, and when they are served battered and fried, they are one of the most classic Italian summer seafood dishes: crisp golden rings of tender squid that people eagerly squeeze lemon wedges over, and eat quickly while they're still hot -- and before everyone else gobbles them up!

It's important to buy very fresh squid and to fry it quickly, at high heat, to prevent the squid, which is naturally meltingly tender, from becoming tough and rubbery.

They're usually served quite simply, with just lemon wedges and a light sprinkling of sea salt, but you can also serve them with a dipping sauce such as cocktail sauce, garlicky aioli, a simple tomato sauce, or a spicy ketchup.

This recipe would pair well with a dry white wine or rose' (such as Bardolino Chiaretto), or Aperol Spritzes for a lovely summertime antipasto or aperitivo. It's also a great finger food for a cocktail party. Although it looks impressive, it's actually super-quick and simple to make.