In the southern part of Puerto Rico lies the fabled town of Ponce, which a has a coastal area known as “Los Meros.” This area, at one time, was home to a number of makeshift restaurants, some no more than tarp structures that sold beer, snacks and sandwiches. The sandwiches consisted of the local seafood like conch and octopus. When I would visit my parents in Ponce, the first thing we did was drive up to Los Meros and enjoyed their superb squid, another item on the menu. I know, you’re saying, “Yuck!Squid?” Yes, as in fried squid, the recipe that my family got most likely from a joint in Los Meros.

In my family we enjoyed this dish over rice, and the leftovers were used for sandwiches the next day. I’m just saying, give the fried squid a try. It is also very popular in the Mediterranean. We can’t all be wrong. You’ll be surprised how delicious this dish can be. You like fry chicken? you’ll love fried squid. I guarantee it.

Note that in this recipe you can use frozen squid. Today you can buy frozen calamares (or calamari) rings that are already cleaned and ready to cook. If you’re lucky enough to find these, half the recipe given is already done.

CALAMARES FRITO
(Fried Squid)

Ingredients:

3 pounds fresh or frozen squid
2 cups bread crumbs
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
¼ teaspoon oregano
3 eggs, well beaten
Oil for frying
Lemon wedges

Instructions:

  1. If frozen, thaw the squid. Whether fresh or frozen, remove the arms by cutting them from the head, and reserve them. Remove and discard the head, chitinous pen, and viscera. Wash thoroughly and drain. Cut the mantle into rings.
  2.  In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, salt, pepper and oregano
  3.  Dip the tentacles and mantle rings  in the eggs and then in the bread crumbs, coating well.
  4.  Deep-fry in a pan or skillet until golden brown.  Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
    Yield: 4-5 servings.