Parmesan-crusted Calamari Sandwich on Grilled Focaccia

Parmesan-crusted Calamari Sandwich on Grilled Focaccia Recipe from Belgium

Region / culture: Belgium | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

This Parmesan-crusted Calamari Sandwich on Grilled Focaccia is a delicious and unique twist on a classic seafood dish. The crispy calamari steak is coated in Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor, and served on grilled focaccia bread with fresh vegetables and a tangy tartar sauce.

History

The combination of calamari and Parmesan cheese is a popular Italian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This recipe takes that classic flavor profile and puts a modern spin on it by turning it into a sandwich. The grilled focaccia bread adds a delicious crunch to the dish, making it a perfect meal for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

1 calamari steak, lightly breaded
1 whole egg, beaten
1 oz (28 g) flour
3 oz (85 g) parmesan cheese
2 gallons clarified butter
focaccia bread (6 x 6) oiled
2 green-leaf lettuce
1 oz (28 g) alfalfa sprouts
2 tomato (5 x 6) slices
0.5 ripe medium california avocado, seeded, peeled and fanned
1 pickle spear
1 radicchio leaf
1 belgian endive leaf
1 oz (28 g) grilled zucchini, sliced
1 oz (28 g) grilled yellow squash

Tartar sauce

0.25 oz (7 g) prepared tartar sauce
0.25 oz (7 g) prepared cocktail sauce
freshly grated horseradish to taste

How to prepare

Slightly pound the calamari.
Coat the calamari with flour, egg, and Parmesan cheese, ensuring that the cheese coats well.
If needed, dip the calamari in egg and cheese again.
Heat clarified butter in a teflon sauce pan.
Once hot, sauté the calamari briefly until it turns brown on both sides.
Remove the calamari from the pan and drain it on a paper towel.
Brush the focaccia bread with clarified butter and grill it.
Cut the bread on a bias to form triangles.
Grill the zucchini and yellow squash in advance and let them cool.
Assemble the sandwich by layering green leaf, sliced tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts, and avocado.
Drizzle tartar sauce on top of the sandwich.
Garnish the plate and serve.
To prepare the tartar sauce, combine all the ingredients and mix well.

Variations

Try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a unique flavor twist.
Add some sliced jalapenos or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Substitute the calamari steak with shrimp or fish fillets for a different seafood option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pound the calamari steak lightly to ensure it cooks evenly and stays tender.

- Coating the calamari in flour, egg, and Parmesan cheese helps create a crispy crust that locks in the flavor.

- Sauté the calamari in hot clarified butter for a golden brown finish.

- Grilling the focaccia bread adds a smoky flavor that complements the seafood.

- Layering the sandwich with fresh vegetables and tartar sauce adds a burst of freshness and tanginess to each bite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Parmesan-crusted Calamari Sandwich on Grilled Focaccia with a side of crispy fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the calamari steak in hot clarified butter for a crispy finish.

- Grill the focaccia bread to add a smoky flavor to the sandwich.

- Layer the sandwich with fresh vegetables and tartar sauce for added texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the calamari steak with shrimp or fish fillets for a different seafood option.

- Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a unique flavor twist.

- Swap out the tartar sauce for aioli or pesto for a different sauce option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can bread the calamari steak in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

- Prepare the tartar sauce ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Parmesan-crusted Calamari Sandwich on a bed of mixed greens for a colorful presentation. - Garnish the plate with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this sandwich with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the seafood flavors.

- Serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a classic seafood meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sandwich in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, place the sandwich in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 400 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 20 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and shellfish.

Summary

This Parmesan-crusted Calamari Sandwich on Grilled Focaccia is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and delicious choice for seafood lovers.

Summary

This Parmesan-crusted Calamari Sandwich on Grilled Focaccia is a delicious and unique seafood dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner. The crispy calamari steak, tangy tartar sauce, and fresh vegetables come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Serve with a side of fries or salad for a complete dining experience. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, many years ago, when I stumbled upon this hidden gem of a dish. I was visiting a small coastal town in Italy, known for its fresh seafood and vibrant culinary scene. As I wandered through the bustling streets, my nostrils were greeted by a tantalizing aroma that led me straight to a quaint little trattoria.

Inside, I was greeted by the sight of a bustling kitchen, with chefs working diligently to prepare delicious meals for their eager patrons. I found a spot at the bar and ordered a glass of local wine, eager to sample the dishes that had captured my attention. And that's when I saw it - a Parmesan-crusted Calamari Sandwich on Grilled Focaccia.

The sandwich arrived at my table, a work of art on a plate. The calamari was perfectly cooked, tender and succulent, with a crispy, flavorful crust of Parmesan cheese. The focaccia was warm and golden, with a hint of garlic and herbs that danced on my taste buds. I took my first bite, and I was hooked. The combination of flavors and textures was a revelation, unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. I sought out the chef, a friendly older man with a twinkle in his eye, and asked him for the recipe. He laughed and told me that it was a secret family recipe, passed down through generations. But after a bit of charming persuasion and a promise to keep the recipe close to my heart, he relented and agreed to teach me how to make it.

I spent the next few days in the kitchen with the chef, watching and learning as he prepared the dish with precision and care. I took notes, asked questions, and soaked up every bit of knowledge like a sponge. And finally, after hours of practice and refinement, I had mastered the art of making the Parmesan-crusted Calamari Sandwich on Grilled Focaccia.

The secret, as the chef had taught me, lay in the quality of the ingredients and the attention to detail in the preparation. The calamari had to be fresh, cleaned and sliced just right before being coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices. The focaccia had to be grilled to perfection, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, a perfect canvas for the flavorful calamari.

I brought the recipe back home with me, a treasured souvenir of my time in Italy. Over the years, I have shared it with friends and family, delighting them with the unexpected combination of flavors in this unique dish. And now, as I pass it on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I have, and that it will become a part of your own culinary repertoire.

So go forth, my dear, and create magic in your own kitchen with the Parmesan-crusted Calamari Sandwich on Grilled Focaccia. Let the flavors transport you to that small coastal town in Italy, where I first discovered this delicious recipe. And remember, the true secret to a great dish lies not just in the ingredients, but in the love and passion that you bring to the cooking process. Bon appétit!