Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsBassoCalamari Fritti Recipe

Calamari Fritti Recipe

Inspired by Basso
Time1h
Serves4

Stewed tomato + pickled fresno + banana pepper

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Ingredients

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Calamari

Pickled Fresno and Banana Peppers

Method

Calamari Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Calamari

    Clean the calamari by removing the head and innards. Rinse under cold water and slice into rings.

  2. 2

    Coat the Calamari

    In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge the calamari rings in the mixture until well-coated.

Frying the Calamari

  1. 3

    Heat the Oil

    In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  2. 4

    Fry the Calamari

    Carefully add the calamari rings in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Stewed Tomato Sauce

  1. 5

    Sauté the Vegetables

    In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.

  2. 6

    Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

    Stir in canned crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pickling the Peppers

  1. 7

    Prepare Pickling Solution

    In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt.

  2. 8

    Pickle the Peppers

    Place sliced Fresno and banana peppers in a jar. Pour the hot pickling solution over the peppers. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Serving

  1. 9

    Plate the Dish

    Serve the fried calamari hot with the stewed tomato sauce and pickled peppers on the side.

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