Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

calamari with ouzo!

Recipe by
Maria *
Athens

As Greece is situated in the warmest part of the Mediterranean, it has always enjoyed an abundance of seafood. Calamari & shrimp being the most favorite even among children. If serving this dish to children just omit the ouzo. Don't forget the fresh crusty bread to dip in the sauce like all Greeks do:) Hope you enjoy. Kali orexi! Have a good appetite!

yield 6 serving(s)
method Stove Top

Ingredients For calamari with ouzo!

  • 2 lb
    medium size calamari
  • 2 clove
    garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 c
    kefalotyri or regato cheese, grated
  • 1 c
    parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/3 c
    olive oil + 3 tbsps
  • 1/4 c
    ouzo (greek aparatif)
  • salt & pepper to taste

How To Make calamari with ouzo!

  • 1
    Wash & clean the calamari by removing the breast bone & intestines. Rince, season with salt, place in a strainer & set aside to drain of any liquids. If your calamari is large you may cut it in 2 or 3 pieces/wide rings.
  • 2
    Blend the garlic cloves, the grated cheese, parsley, & 3 Tbsps of olive oil. Blend til you have a green paste. A kind of "pesto" sauce. Set aside for later.
  • 3
    Heat 1/3 cup of olive oil in a large frying pan until heated well. Add all the calamari and stir while cooking, til it begins to brown. Continue to cook and stir for another 4-5 minutes. Add the ouzo, lower the heat to medium & continue to cook til liquids are absorbed.
  • 4
    Pour the "pesto" sauce, mix well & keep cooking on medium heat for 5-10 minutes and then serve.
  • 5
    This dish may be served as an appetizer "meze" or main dish with a rice pilaf on the side. Plenty of fresh crusty bread to dip into the delicious sauce. Kali Orexi! ENJOY!
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