Monday, June 6, 2011

Something's fishy with Jamie Oliver

I Heart Cooking Clubs is cooking with Jamie Oliver and this time something's fishy! Not the easiest theme for my family. Fish doesn't always go over well with them. So I didn't even try. This time I made something I knew I would like, and the big kid might like it, too.

SQUID!  

Before you say ewwww, I was also in that camp, the one where I thought squid and calamari was disgusting. Disgusting until one day I developed a shellfish allergy. And no more linguine with clam sauce, no more oysters, scallops, crab or shrimp. Nothing alarming at first, a few hives. Didn't think twice. But by the third and fourth time I was covered. Squid became a necessity for someone who absolutely loves most shellfish. Raw, cooked, it's the one thing I miss. Linguine with white clam sauce and a side of Benadryl? Not a chance. So for now I am stuck with squid, and it turns out, I really like it. Which surprised me. And I loved this recipe. Chargrilled squid with the guacamole! Great recipe, me and the big kid really enjoyed it. I used the grill pan, talk about smoke. Smoking hot. And smoke alarms! But then the smoke cleared, the calamari was done, and all in all, it was a very good dish. I put in on top if some baby arugula. Topped with some chopped tomatoes, pickled jalapeno's and a squeeze of lime.

So thanks, Jamie Oliver, maybe one day I will outgrow this allergy and I can try one of your delicious shrimp dishes next. In the meantime, I will be making this one again.





Chargrilled Squid with Rustic Guacamole
Source: Jamie Oliver, original recipe found @ JamieOliver.com
adapted by There's Always Thyme to Cook
Printable Recipe

4 squid tubes, cleaned and kept whole, and tentacles
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
extra virgin olive oil
juice of 1/2 a lime

Guacamole:
2 very ripe avocados
1-2 fresh red chillies, chopped fine
a few sprigs fresh cilantro, chopped fine
1/2 a red onion, peeled and chopped fine
1 tomato, chopped
juice of 2 limes

Guacamole: Squeeze the avocados out of their skins into a bowl, removing the pits. Add most of the chilli and cilantro, the onion, tomato and lime juice. Mix everything up with a spoon, breaking up any bigger bits of avocado as you go. Taste for seasoning; and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Put a griddle pan on a high heat to get nice and hot. There are two ways to prepare squid – choose whichever you prefer, or do both to get a feel for it. For both methods put the tentacles aside. The first way is to place a knife inside the tube and lay it on your chopping board, then score across the squid at 1/2 inch intervals with a small sharp knife. The knife inside will prevent you from cutting all the way through so you’ll be left with ‘concertina’ squid. This method lets heat and flavors in and looks good. The second way is to put the knife in the tube and cut through the side, open it out then lightly score every 1/2 inch in a criss-cross fashion with a blunt knife. This means the squid will curl up and absorb extra flavor.  (I did the second method)

Season the squid with a pinch of salt and pepper and drizzle with a little olive oil then toss to coat. Add it to the screaming hot griddle, scored-side down, for 1 to 2 minutes (you may need to do this in batches). Use tongs to turn the squid over once it has nice char marks. Give it a minute on the other side until it curls up then immediately transfer to a bowl and hit it with a bit of extra virgin olive oil, the lime juice and another small pinch of salt and pepper. The legs can stay on the griddle for a bit longer to get crispy.

Spoon the guacamole onto a platter. Cut the legs up a bit and add to the bowl of dressed squid. Cut the concertina and scored squid into bite-sized chunks. Pile the squid over the guacamole and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil. Scatter over the reserved cilantro and chilli then tuck in.

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32 comments:

  1. I hope you can outgrow your allergy too!! I love squid and calamari- I love how they're so chewy and have a texture that's so unique! :D This looks delicious! Did the smoke alarm go off?? :)

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  2. You didn't hear it? LOL, they went off, and LOUD!

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  3. Wonderful! I have never cooked with fresh squid before - just the frozen rings once.. in a seafood lasagna - so I still feel like a squid virgin. Very inspiring!

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  4. It looks so GOOD!! I love squid - so do the girls - def going to try this!
    Mary

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  5. Looks delicious. :)
    How about a side of grasshoppers?

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  6. I love the look of this salad; I have never cooked squid and it kind of makes me nervous.Your guacamole would probably make it for me.
    Rita

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  7. Wish it tasted as good as it looks, Carol...squid, octopus, swordfish and catfish, I just can't do, no matter how many times I try them! But give me all other fish, oysters, clams and mussels, any day of the week

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  8. I will try this when I get home from this trip - The Great Dane loves squid - well, he's a Dane and loves all things fishy!

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  9. I would never think to pair squid with guacamole, but your photo makes me think that this is a great idea!

    Smoke alarms going off just before dinner add a little extra pizzazz, don't they?!

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  10. I would hate and allergy to fish and shellfish, Carol, so you have my sympathy! It's strange that squid does not also give you a reaction, but I'm glad you can eat it it--especially prepared this way!

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  11. I love squid. This looks creative and delicious.

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  12. It must be because squid doesn't actually have a shell? I usually only have calamari as an appetizer in restaurants and then it's always breaded and deep-fried. I'd love to try this! I've always had pretty good luck with Jamie's recipes.

    Hope the smoke has cleared :)

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  13. Hope you allergy is gone soon! This sounds really good and since it's one of Jamie's recipes I'm sure it is. My family would love this! There's an award for you on my blog today.

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  14. Thanks you all for the nice comments. yep, LOL, the smoke cleared, and all three doggies calmed down after a bit. Talk about a noisy lunch! Definitely added some pizzaz!

    @ Pam, thanks so much for the honor, that was so nice of you :)

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  15. First of all...I LOVE your plate!!! It's gorgeous!! :)

    I would love to try your recipe, but like you, I developed shellfish allergies. I can't have squid though...nothing shellfish. :( But your meal looks beautiful, and I hope that one day, like you, I'll outgrow my allergies. :)

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  16. This looks lovely. I have the same problem as you regarding allergies. I used to love scallops but then developped an allergy. Fingers crossed it will just stay at scallops.

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  17. I love squid, but my husband does not get near it so I do not cook at home...hope you get over this allergy soon so you can enjoy this dish. Have a great week Carol :-)

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  18. @ Sheila, thanks about the plate. It was part of a set but the little shop I found it in only had the one odd piece left so I grabbed it. Wish I had the whole set!

    @ Corina, hope it stays at scallops. Funny just the scallops, not all shellfish.

    @ Juliana, mine won't touch it either except occasionally he likes fried calamari.

    Thanks for the comments :)

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  19. This is something that we dont try at home :( I am a fish lover and my wife hates fish in her plate. So most of the time when I want to eat fish we go out and eat. By the way she does not discriminate squid. For her anything from water is ewwwww :D

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  20. I am not a big squid fan but this does look delicious. I love my grill pan but have to open all the doors and windows and turn off the alarm.

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  21. I am a squid fun and would love this dish!It looks perfect!Hugs from Greece,dear Carol!

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  22. I love this dish Carol. The squid looks just right. I know my family would love something like this. What a great dish.

    Havve a great week ahead.

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  23. This looks delicious. I love squid and calamari, but I don't think either my husband or daughter would even try it.

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  24. I went blind after "SQUID!"

    ...I'm better.
    Dear Carol, I'm glad you found a replacement you can enjoy.

    And take my squid...please. But would you be so kind as to share the rest? I'll happily help you polish off this gorgeous dish.

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  25. Love squid cooked this way - but not so much deep fried in batter....

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  26. Hehehe, don't be grossed out, the black INK is the best!

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  27. I'm always setting off the smoke alarm at my house :) This is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I've been trying to test the limits of it lately anyway :) And guacamole is easing me into it!

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  28. I'm so sorry about your allergy! That stinks!

    But at least you've got fabulous pasta dishes like this to fall back on!

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  29. I'm sorry to hear about your shellfish allergy, but in the meantime this squid looks fantastic with the guacamole. Sounds like a great combination.

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  30. This looks pretty perfect--loving the guacamole.
    ;-)

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  31. Wonderful that you linked up Carol. I love avocado too. Have a great week. See you at Weekend Cooking.

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