Classic Fried Calamari

Classic Fried Calamari

Couverts6
Preparation 20 minutes
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Medium skillet or deep fryer

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Dry the squid tentacles and bodies completely, inside and out, using paper towels to prevent splattering during frying.
  • Cut the bodies into ½-inch rings and leave the tentacles whole.

Prepare “a la Romana”:

  • Heat at least ½ inch of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, or use a deep fryer set at 365°F (185°C) until it turns a cube of bread light brown in 60 seconds.
  • Place the beaten eggs and flour in separate shallow bowls.
  • Dredge the squid bodies and tentacles in the flour, dip them in the beaten eggs, and then place them in the hot oil. (Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.)
  • Fry the squid, turning occasionally, until golden brown, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Be careful not to overcook, as the squid will toughen.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried squid to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  • Season the crispy fried calamari with kosher or sea salt while still hot.
  • Serve immediately as an appetizer, garnished with lemon wedges and accompanied by marinara sauce or aioli for dipping.

Notes & Wine Advice

Wine Pairing:
Pair this classic fried calamari with a crisp and refreshing Italian Pinot Grigio or a sparkling Prosecco. The acidity in these wines cuts through the richness of the fried dish, while their fruity notes complement the delicate flavor of the squid.
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Course; Appetizer / Fish
Cuisine; European / Italian

Crispy Fried Squid “a la Romana”

Crispy Fried Squid “a la Romana”

Couverts6
Preparation 20 minutes
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Medium skillet or deep fryer

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Dry the squid tentacles and bodies completely, inside and out, using paper towels to prevent splattering during frying.
  • Cut the bodies into ½-inch rings and leave the tentacles whole.
  • Prepare “a la Romana”:
  • Heat at least ½ inch of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, or use a deep fryer set at 365°F (185°C) until it turns a cube of bread light brown in 60 seconds.
  • Place the beaten eggs and flour in separate shallow bowls.
  • Dredge the squid bodies and tentacles in the flour, dip them in the beaten eggs, and then place them in the hot oil.
  • (Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
  • )
  • Fry the squid, turning occasionally, until golden brown, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Be careful not to overcook, as the squid will toughen.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried squid to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  • Season the crispy fried squid with kosher or sea salt while still hot.
  • Serve immediately as an appetizer, garnished with lemon wedges and accompanied by marinara sauce or aioli for dipping.

Notes & Wine Advice

Wine Pairing:

Pair this crispy fried squid with a light and refreshing Italian Pinot Grigio or a sparkling Prosecco. The acidity in these wines cuts through the richness of the fried dish, while their fruity notes complement the delicate flavor of the squid.

Nutrition values

Calories: 200 kcal | koolhydraten: 12 g | Eiwitten: 15 g | Vet: 9 g | Suiker: 0 g
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Course; Appetizer / Fish
Cuisine; European / Italian

Saffron-infused Swordfish Medallions

Saffron-infused Swordfish Medallions

Couverts4
Preparation 24 minutes
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • medium skillet

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the onion, garlic, and frying pepper.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the chopped tomato and bay leaf.
  • Cook until the tomato is softened and releases its juices, about 2 to 3 minutes more.
  • Stir in the brandy, broth, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and saffron.
  • Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • (The sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated before adding the swordfish.
  • )
  • Add the swordfish chunks to the skillet, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce.
  • Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until the swordfish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  • Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  • Serve the saffron-infused swordfish hot.

Notes & Wine Advice

Wine Pairing:

Pair this saffron-infused swordfish with a medium-bodied Spanish Rioja or a crisp Albariño. The acidity and herbal notes in these wines complement the delicate flavor of the saffron sauce while enhancing the richness of the swordfish.

Nutrition values

Calories: 220 kcal | koolhydraten: 5 g | Eiwitten: 25 g | Vet: 10 g | Suiker: 1 g
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Course; Fish / Main Course
Cuisine; European / Spain

Crab Stuffed Crepes

Crab Stuffed Crepes

Crepes de Txangurro
Couverts6
Preparation 1 hour
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

For Crepes:

For Crab Filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped leeks white part only
  • 2 tablespoons very finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons very finely chopped carrot
  • ½ pound fresh crab meat
  • 2 tablespoons brandy

For Marinara Sauce:

Instructions

  • In a food processor, combine egg, milk, water, flour, and salt.
  • Process until smooth.
  • Lightly grease a small skillet or crepe pan and heat over medium heat.
  • Pour enough batter to coat the pan (about 1 tablespoon), swirling to spread evenly.
  • Cook until set, then flip and cook the other side.
  • Do not brown.
  • Repeat with remaining batter.
  • Prepare the Crab Filling:
  • Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
  • Add leeks, onion, and carrots.
  • Cover and cook for 15 minutes until softened.
  • Add crab meat and brandy.
  • Ignite the brandy with a match or lighter (standing away from the skillet) and let it die out.
  • Cook for an additional 1 minute.
  • Set aside.

Prepare the Marinara Sauce:

  • Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
  • Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add tomato and cook until liquid evaporates.
  • Stir in wine, thyme, and bay leaf.
  • Cook until sauce is reduced by half.
  • Add flour and cook for 1 minute, then add fish broth.
  • Simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh strainer, reserving 1 cup.
  • Discard solids.
  • Season with salt to taste.

Assembly and Baking:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Place 2 tablespoons of crab meat in the center of each crepe, roll up, and place seam side down in a greased baking dish.
  • Pour reserved marinara sauce over the crepes.
  • Bake for 10 minutes.
  • Serve hot.

Notes & Wine Advice

Wine Pairing:

Pair these Crab Stuffed Crepes with a crisp and acidic Spanish Albariño or a dry Sauvignon Blanc. The bright acidity of these wines complements the richness of the crab filling and the tangy marinara sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Nutrition values

Calories: 290 kcal | koolhydraten: 24 g | Eiwitten: 16 g | Vet: 12 g | Suiker: 3 g
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Bountiful Ocean Delight

Bountiful Ocean Delight

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Pomegranate Glaze
Couverts4
Preparation 45 minutes
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • medium skillet
  • stovetop griddle

Ingredients

For Pomegranate Sauce:

For Scallops:

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
  • Add shallot, garlic, onion, carrot, celery, and mushrooms.
  • Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomato and tomato paste, cooking for another 2 minutes.
  • Add the wine, broth, bay leaf, and thyme.
  • Bring to a boil and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for approximately 30 minutes.
  • Let the mixture cool slightly, then strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a small saucepan, pressing with a wooden spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
  • Discard the solids.
  • Stir in the pomegranate juice, bring to a boil, and cook, stirring constantly, until thick and syrupy, reduced to about â…“ cup.
  • Reserve in a small tightly covered jar.

Cook the Scallops:

  • Wrap a piece of bacon around each scallop.
  • Brush a stovetop griddle with olive oil and heat to the smoking point over high heat.
  • Add the scallops, seam of the bacon down, reduce the heat to medium-high, and cook until the seam side of the bacon is browned.
  • Turn and cook until scallops are white and opaque on the inside and the bacon is browned on all sides, about 5 minutes more.

Serve:

  • On individual plates, spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pomegranate sauce onto each plate.
  • Place 2 scallops on the sauce and garnish with pomegranate seeds, if using.
  • Season with salt and serve hot.

Notes & Wine Advice

Wine Pairing: Pair this elegant dish with a light and crisp Spanish Cava or a dry Prosecco. The effervescence and acidity of these sparkling wines complement the richness of the bacon-wrapped scallops, while their fruity notes harmonize with the tangy pomegranate glaze.
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Course; Appetizer / Bacon / Fish
Cuisine; American / European / Spain

Creamy Baked Mussels with Mushroom Gratin

Creamy Baked Mussels with Mushroom Gratin

Couverts4
Preparation 35 minutes
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Large skillet, small saucepan,
  • casserole dish or scallop shells

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Rinse the mussels thoroughly, removing the beards.
  • Discard any mussels with cracked shells or those not closing tightly when touched.
  • In a large skillet, combine the mussels, water, and lemon, bringing the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  • Cook until the mussels open, removing each as it does.
  • Discard any unopened mussels.
  • Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
  • Place the mussel meat in a large bowl, add the sliced mushrooms, and stir to combine.
  • Discard the mussel shells.
  • Prepare the white sauce: In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks and stir in the hot sauce.
  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the flour and cook for an additional minute.
  • Gradually stir in the reserved cooking liquid, milk, lemon juice, saffron, and black pepper.
  • Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
  • Reduce the heat to low, add the egg mixture, and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
  • Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
  • Arrange the mussels and mushrooms in a shallow casserole dish, Dutch oven, or distribute among individual casserole dishes or large scallop shells.
  • Pour the prepared sauce over the top, sprinkle with grated cheese, and dot with butter.
  • Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the dish is bubbly and lightly browned.

Notes & Wine Advice

If using earthenware, serve hot in the dish, or transfer to a platter. Enjoy this indulgent Creamy Baked Mussels with Mushroom Gratin!

Wine Pairing:

Pair this rich and creamy dish with a crisp Spanish Albariño or a light-bodied Chardonnay. The acidity in these wines will cut through the creamy sauce, while their fruity notes will complement the mussels and mushrooms.

Nutrition values

Calories: 320 kcal | koolhydraten: 19 g | Eiwitten: 16 g | Vet: 19 g | Suiker: 5 g
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Course; Appetizer / Fish
Cuisine; European / Spain

Spanish Style Mussels in Green Herb Sauce

Spanish Style Mussels in Green Herb Sauce

Couverts4
Preparation 25 minutes
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Large earthenware casserole dish or Dutch oven

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Rinse the mussels thoroughly, removing the beards.
  • Discard any mussels with cracked shells or those not closing tightly when touched.
  • Heat olive oil in a large earthenware casserole dish or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is wilted and transparent, about 3 minutes.
  • Stir in the gluten-free flour and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  • Add the parsley, white wine, clam juice or water, salt, and pepper.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Increase the heat to medium, add the mussels, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Uncover and cook, removing the mussels as they open.
  • Return the opened mussels to the skillet.
  • Discard any unopened mussels.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve the Spanish style mussels in green herb sauce hot. Dip into the vibrant green sauce with your favorite gluten-free bread and relish the delightful combination of flavors. ¡Buen provecho!

Wine Pairing:

Pair this Spanish style mussels dish with a crisp and refreshing Albariño or a dry Spanish Verdejo. The bright acidity of these white wines complements the savory flavors of the mussels and enhances the herbal notes of the green sauce.

Nutrition values

Calories: 165 kcal | koolhydraten: 9 g | Eiwitten: 9 g | Vet: 6 g | Suiker: 1 g
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Course; Fish
Cuisine; European / Spain
Diets; Gluten-Free

Mussels in White Wine Elegance

Mussels in White Wine Elegance

Couverts6
Preparation 20 minutes
Preparation time:15 minutes
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Rinse the mussels thoroughly, removing the beards.
  • Discard any mussels with cracked shells or those not closing tightly when touched.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is wilted and transparent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the flour and paprika.
  • Add the wine, lemon, parsley, bay leaves, and mussels.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer, removing the mussels as they open, approximately 10 minutes.
  • Return the opened mussels to the skillet.
  • Discard any unopened mussels and the bay leaves.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve this Mussels in White Wine Elegance hot, and relish the flavors of Galicia in every delightful bite. Enjoy!
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Course; Fish
Cuisine; European / Spain

Stuffed Fried Mussels Elegance

Stuffed Fried Mussels Elegance

Couverts6 Gourmet Portions
Preparation time:1 hour 30 minutes
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Small saucepan
  • Medium skillet or deep fryer

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • Reserved ½ cup of cooking liquid
  • Mussel meat finely chopped
  • Half of each mussel shell

For the White Sauce:

Instructions

  • Rinse the mussels thoroughly, removing the beards.
  • Discard any mussels with cracked shells or those not closing tightly when touched.
  • In a large skillet, combine mussels, water, and lemon.
  • Bring to a boil over high heat, removing mussels as they open.
  • Discard unopened mussels.
  • Reserve ½ cup of the cooking liquid.
  • Finely chop the mussel meat and reserve half of each shell for filling.
  • Wipe out the skillet.
  • Heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat.
  • Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 8 minutes.
  • Add garlic and ham, cooking for an additional 1 minute.
  • Stir in tomato sauce, mussel meat, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook until the sauce and seasonings are absorbed.
  • Divide the mussel mixture among the reserved shell halves, placing them in a pan.
  • Prepare the white sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add flour and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Gradually pour in the reserved cooking liquid and milk.
  • Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and smooth.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Let cool, stirring occasionally.
  • Using a teaspoon, cover the filled shells with the sauce, sealing the edges by smoothing with the cupped side of the spoon.
  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the sauce solidifies.
  • Heat at least 1 inch of oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat (or use a deep fryer set at 360°F) until it turns a cube of bread light brown in 60 seconds.
  • Place eggs and bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls.
  • Dip each mussel in the egg (the whole mussel), dredge in the bread crumbs, and place in the oil.
  • Cook, filled side down, until well browned.
  • Let drain on paper towels.
  • Serve this Stuffed Fried Mussels Elegance hot and revel in the irresistible blend of textures and flavors.
  • Enjoy the culinary journey inspired by the iconic Madrid bar, Gayango.
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Course; Appetizer / Fish
Cuisine; European / Spain

Galician Paprika-Infused Mussels

Galician Paprika-Infused Mussels

Couverts4 Gourmet Portions
Preparation 30 minutes
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Rinse the mussels thoroughly, removing the beards.
  • Discard any with cracked shells or those not closing tightly when touched.
  • In a large skillet, arrange the mussels, lemon slices, and enough water to cover.
  • Bring to a boil over high heat, cooking and removing the mussels as they open.
  • Discard any unopened mussels.
  • Preserve the cooking liquid and lemon.
  • Wipe out the skillet.
  • Heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and garlic, cooking and stirring until the onion is wilted and transparent, approximately 5 minutes.
  • Introduce the paprikas and wine, cooking and stirring occasionally until reduced, about 5 minutes more.
  • Add the mussels along with the reserved cooking liquid and lemon.
  • Cook until the mussels are heated through.
  • Season with salt and pepper.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve these Galician Paprika-Infused Mussels hot, savoring the robust flavors inspired by the coastal town of El Grove in Galicia, Spain.

Wine Pairing:

Pair this dish with a crisp and acidic Spanish Albariño. Its citrusy notes and refreshing acidity will complement the brininess of the mussels and the vibrant flavors of the paprika, creating a perfect harmony on the palate. Alternatively, a light and dry Spanish Txakoli would provide a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Nutrition values

Calories: 120 kcal | koolhydraten: 4 g | Eiwitten: 9 g | Vet: 7 g | Suiker: 1 g
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Course; Appetizer / Fish
Cuisine; European / Spain