Grilled Squid (Calamari)

Although many think that squid is the same as calamari, the truth is that calamari is just one type of squid while what's properly referred to as squid in culinary circles is another. They're technically two different animals, but the differences are slight. In cuisine, their names are commonly used interchangeably, but the truth is that squid present tougher meat, and calamari are wonderfully tender. Even if they're both delicious, if you can get your hands on fresh calamari, don't miss out on the chance to prepare this beautiful recipe with it, although squid will also yield a flavorful result. In this easy recipe, reposted with permission from The All New Good Housekeeping Cook Book, the calamari is flavored with olive oil and lemon juice and then quickly grilled to tender perfection.

Many home cooks avoid preparing squid because of the infamous rubbery texture, but the secret to perfect squid lies in the speed and temperature of cooking. Squid must be either cooked fast over high heat or slow-cooked to achieve the right tenderness. Anything in between results in a chewy mess. Squid is a great ingredient and a nutritious one too: a 100-gram serving of raw squid has barely 92 calories but an impressive 15 grams of protein and beneficial levels of copper, selenium, and vitamin E. If you're looking for great sources of protein but want to keep an eye on your caloric intake, squid is the perfect choice.

Beautiful when raw, a properly prepared sashimi of squid is a flavorful bite. Easily found in the frozen aisle of most supermarkets, calamari can also be bought fresh. Serve these beautifully grilled squids as an appetizer or make them part of a main dish when adding them to a green salad or atop garlic pasta.