Emeril's creole calamari

4 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2poundsRoma tomatoes;
Cored and halved
½cup+2 tb olive oil
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
2cupsChicken stock
1cupSliced black olives
1cupSliced green olives
2tablespoonsMinced shallots
2teaspoonsMinced garlic
2tablespoonsSmall diced celery
2tablespoonsChopped parsley
1poundsCalamari; thawed
Cut into 1/4\" slices
½cupButtermilk
Essence of Emeril
1cupMasa flour
2ouncesGrated parmesan cheese

Directions

In a mixing bowl, toss the tomatoes with tb of the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place the tomatoes on a smoker rack and smoke for 15 minutes. Remove from the smoker and place the tomatoes and juice in a medium saucepan. Add the chicken stock. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes.

Using a hand-held blender, puree the sauce until smooth. Strain and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

In a mixing bowl, combine the olives, shallots, garlic, celery, parsley, black pepper and the ½ cup of olive oil. Mix well.

In a mixing bowl, marinate the cut calamari in the buttermilk with 2 tablespoons of Essence and allow to sit for 20 minutes.

Combine the masa and flour together with the remaining Essence.

Dredge the marinated calamari in the flour mixture and sift to remove any excess. Place the dredged calamari in the fryer basket and deep fry until slightly golden in color, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent sticking. Remove from the fryer and drain on paper towel. Season with essence.

To serve, spoon the sauce in the center of a large platter. Place the calamari on top of the sauce. Mound the olive salad on top of the calamari. Garnish with the cheese.

From: Emeril Live on Food TV Entered by: Roy Olsen