Crispy Squid with Pepper

Recipe from A Plate in the Sun

Ingredients

• 700g/24oz squid, pre-cleaned

• 2 tbsp cornflour

• 2 tbsp gari

• 1 tsp chilli flakes

• fresh ground black peppercorns to season

• white pepper to season

• salt to season

• oil to shallow fry

Method

1. Slice the cleaned squid tubes into rings and dry with kitchen paper.

2. Put the remaining dry ingredients in a food bag then add the squid and shake to coat.

3. Heat a heavy-based pan then add the oil. Shake excess flour from the remaining rings and carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry until crisp and golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.

4. To ensure the oil is hot enough, gently lower a couple of test pieces into the oil (cook’s perks) and if they sizzle the oil is hot enough. Serve as a hot snack with drinks.

5. Perhaps for a main course, cut the squid into largish squares before cooking and serve with a spicy tomato sauce and slices of kenkey or chunks of boiled yam.