Greek-style Squid with Lemon, Garlic and Olive Oil

Close your eyes when you eat your first mouthful of this one and in your mind you'll be right there on some lovely Greek island – it's one of those very simple things that also tastes extremely special. It's easy, too, as the squid is all prepared for you, so the whole thing takes no longer than 15 minutes from start to finish.

Serves 2

Greek-style Squid with Lemon, Garlic and Olive Oil

Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) small squid, cleaned and ready-prepared
grated zest and juice 1 large lemon
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 fl oz (75 ml) olive oil, preferably Greek
2 heaped tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
salt and freshly milled black pepper
To serve:
extra lemon wedges to squeeze over

Method

All you do with the squid is pull out the little tentacles and wash, dry with kitchen paper and reserve them. Next, cut the body section into ½ inch (1 cm) rings and wash them under cold running water; then pat dry with kitchen paper. Place them in a shallow dish, adding the reserved tentacles. Squeeze the lemon juice over, toss and leave it for 5 minutes, when it will have absorbed most of the juice. Drain the squid through a colander and shake to remove excess liquid.

Next, heat the oil in a large, solid frying pan, add the garlic and lemon zest, cooking very slowly as it comes up to heat. When it is really hot add the squid and fry it in the hot oil, keeping it on the move so it just slightly takes on colour at the edges – it will only take about 1-2 minutes to cook.

Then add the seasoning and parsley and serve it straight away from the pan, with lemon wedges to squeeze over. This is particularly good served with a green salad and some warm pitta bread to dip into the luscious juices.

_This recipe is taken from The Delia Collection: Fish and has also appeared in Sainsbury’s Magazine._

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