Crispy Baked Calamari

Calamari may be one of our favourite appetizers to order at a restaurant.  Grilled or fried, it’s often a go-to to start a meal off with including protein and flavour!  I figured since it’s such a go-to I would figure out how to make it at home, so that I know how it all goes down, and can whip it up whenever the crave hits!  and O-M-G! So simple and delicious!  Check out this recipe which is a win-win any time.

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 Lb Calamari Rings and Squid, fresh or thawed from frozen
• 2 Tbsp Cornstarch
• 4 Tbsp Olive Oil
• ½ Cup Cornmeal
• ½ Cup Panko Breadcrumbs
• 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Fresh ground pepper
• Fresh Lemon wedges
• Fresh thyme or dill for garnish

For the Avocado Dipping Sauce

• 2 Ripe avocados
• ½ Cup Fresh thyme or dill
• ½ Lemon, juice from
• 2 Cloves Garlic
• Fresh cracked black pepper and salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400^o
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Clean and rinse the calamari rings and/or squid, allowing to dry on paper-towel.
4. Once dried, sprinkle with cornstarch and evenly coat.
5. In a dish, combine the cornmeal, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Drizzle the olive oil over the calamari rings and/or squid, tossing to evenly coat.
7. Dip the pieces of calamari and/or squid in the cornmeal-panko mixture and place each piece on a baking sheet.
8. Bake in pre-heated oven for 22 minutes, turning the pieces over at the half-way point.
9. While the fish is cooking, prepare the avocado dipping sauce. Combine all ingredients in a food processor. You may choose dill or thyme as your herb of choice, depending on the flavor profile you prefer! Once all ingredients are combined, scoop out into a bowl until the calamari are ready.
10. Once the calamari are cooked, place on a dish, garnishing with fresh thyme or dill and fresh lemon wedges.