Calamari, a squid belonging to the mollusk family, is a favorite dish among seafood lovers. Calamari contains high levels of protein and phosphorous. There are also trace amounts of calcium, riboflavin and thiamine found in calamari. Whole squids can be purchased either fresh or frozen from many local food markets.
Instructions
1. Place squid on cutting board. Use large knife to cut through the arms that are located near the eyes.
2. Use your thumb and forefinger to grasp the beak located inside of the mantel (shell). Squeeze the beak and gently tug at it to remove it from the mantel. Place tentacles aside.
3. Reach inside the mantel and feel around to locate the pen (the compact internal shell). Grasp the pen firmly and pull at it to remove from the mantel. Be sure to also remove the viscera that is attached to the pen.
4. Use the blunt end of a knife or a spoon to remove any remaining innards from inside the body, exposing the white meat of the squid.
5. Use your fingers to peel and remove the purple skin from the body and the tentacles of the squid. Discard the skin.
6. Place squid under faucet with running cool water. Rinse the squid on both the inside and outside. Dry well.
7. Use the knife to slice into the squid's back in a perpendicular line down the mantel. This will produce small rings. Place rings aside.
8. Cook calamari according to your favorite recipe. Visit websites such as Cooks.com and RecipeZaar.com to browse calamari recipes.
Tags: from mantel, , Place squid, Prepare Calamari, remove from, remove from mantel