Seared calamari with smashed avocado
This designer bite from chef Michael Bonacini made with smashed avocado, topped with seared calamari, fresh pico de gallo, a drizzle of yoghurt, and picked cilantro, lime wedges and shaved radish is sure to impress your guests at your next special gathering.
SERVES
4
TO
6
Ingredients
Smashed Avocado
- 2 avocados
- 3-4 dashes chipotle Tabasco
- ½ lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
Pico de Gallo
- 4 Roma tomatoes, diced into ¼-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon red onion, finely diced
- 3-4 dashes chipotle Tabasco
- 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- ½ lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Seared Squid
- 6 pieces small to medium squid, cleaned with tubes sliced ½-inch thick and tentacles split in half
- 2-3 splashes of olive oil
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Garnish
- ¼ cup picked cilantro leaves
- ½ lime, cut into wedges
- 2 small radishes, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup plain Greek yoghurt
- ½ bag blue corn tortilla chips
Directions
For the Smashed Avocado
- Cut avocado in half and remove pit.
- Using a spoon, scoop the avocado into a mixing bowl.
- Use the back of the spoon or a fork to crush avocado into a coarse mixture.
- Add Tabasco, lime juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil and salt. Mix to incorporate all ingredients.
- Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
For the Pico de Gallo
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, red onion, Tabasco, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Stir ingredients together and set aside.
For the Seared Squid
- Place heavy-bottomed skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium high.
- Heat olive oil in the pan, then place the squid to sear.
- Season squid with salt and pepper, and allow to cook for a few minutes until firm and opaque in colour. Note that the squid will cook quickly over the high heat, and overcooking will result in a tough and chewy texture.
- Remove squid from the pan, place in a small bowl, and set aside.
To Build the Plate
- Spoon the smashed avocado onto the centre of a large serving platter.
- Place the seared squid on top of the smashed avocado. Serve and enjoy!
