Fried Calamari With Spicy Anchovy Mayonnaise

Photo: flickr user cchen

Ingredients

3/4 cup Jarred mayonnaise

4 Anchovy fillets - (to 5)

2 tablespoons Lemon juice

1 tablespoon Finely-chopped parsley

1/2 teaspoon Cayenne

1 pound Fresh, clean squid

4 cups Light olive oil or vegetable oil

1 cup All-purpose flour

1 cup Graham cracker crumbs

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

Preparation

In a food processor, combine the mayonnaise, anchovies, lemon juice, parsley and cayenne. Blend until smooth. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and refrigerate, covered tightly, for up to 2 days, until ready to serve.

Cut the squid into 1/3-inch rings. If the tentacles are large, halve or quarter them lengthwise. Refrigerate until ready to use.

In a heavy-bottomed straight-sided 3-quart saucepan, about 8 inches in diameter, heat the oil to 360 degrees.

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and graham cracker crumbs. Toss 1/3 of the squid in the flour mixture to coat evenly. Shake the squid in a mesh strainer to shed extra coating. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, gently lower each batch of calamari into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt. The cooked squid can be kept warm in a low oven while you continue. Check your oil temperature and repeat with remaining calamari. Serve hot with chilled anchovy mayonnaise.

This recipe yields 2 servings.