DIPPING SAUCE FOR CALAMARI RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. Rinse the calamari and thoroughly pat dry. Cut the tubes into ½ inch rings and cut the tentacles in half lengthwise. 2. Place the calamari in a large bowl with the buttermilk. Let stand for at least 4 hours in the fridge. 3. In another bowl, combine the flour, paprika, salt and black pepper. 4. Pour the vegetable oil in a heavy 4-quart pot, a little less than half way up the pot. Heat over medium-high heat to about 360ºF. 5. Remove the calamari from the buttermilk. Dip each piece into the flour mixture and fry in batches until golden and crispy, about 4 minutes. 6. Place fried calamari on a plate with paper towel to remove excess oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper as desired. 7. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. 8. Add the tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 9. Serve fried calamari with dipping sauce and lemon wedges.

Steps:

• Rinse the squid under cool water and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the body of the squid into 1/2-inch rings and trim the tentacles as necessary. Combine the milk, egg, and basil leaves in a bowl; mix with a fork until lightly beaten. Put the prepared calamari in the milk mixture and stick it in the refrigerator while getting everything else set up; it fries better if marinated and chilled for about 15 minutes.
• Pour about 2 inches of oil in a fryer or large, heavy pot and heat to 375 degrees F. Mix the flour and paprika in a pie dish or plate; season with a fair amount of salt and pepper. Toss the calamari in the seasoned flour to coat. Fry for 1 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and salt, to taste. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried calamari to paper towels to drain. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and dipping sauces.
• Smoked Jalapeno Aioli:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 to 2 canned chipotle chile in adobo
• 1 garlic clove, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
• Pinch salt
• Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend for 1 minute to combine. Set aside to allow the flavors to marry. Serve as a dipping sauce with fried calamari.
• Yield: 1 cup
• Tomato-Basil Sauce:
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 fresh basil leaves, hand-torn
• 1 (16-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• Pinch sugar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Coat a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of the oil and warm over medium heat. Add the garlic and basil; cook, stirring, until soft. Add the crushed tomatoes and sugar; season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the remaining olive oil. Serve as a dipping sauce with fried calamari.
• Yield: 2 cups