Calamari is the Italian word for squid. Like its cousin the octopus, the squid, with its tentacles, can be off putting to the 'fish shy', but don't let its 'science fiction movie monster' looks discourage you from trying this versatile mollusk. Squid can be cooked in just about every way you can think of. Small squid are the most tender. If you're buying it fresh, look for a moist flesh with a clean ocean-y smell, and avoid anything that has a fishy odor. Try to buy it the day you're going to cook it. If you have to buy it in advance, no more than a day, and keep it tightly wrapped on a bed of ice in the fridge. You can also buy frozen calamari. Thaw under cold running water. |
