Guy Fieri's Rhode Island Calamari

The Next Food Network Star Season 2, Guy Fieri's season, premiered on March 19, 2006. Just four years from tomorrow.

In honor of the ... anniversary? I've found a Guy Fieri recipe from the third week into the competition, the Giada Elimination, (which, btw, just doesn't sound like a good idea. Let us NOT eliminate Giada. Nice lady) aired April 2, 2006.


The six finalists find inspiration when they meet season one winners Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh (Party Line with The Hearty Boys) as they learn how to share the stage. Next, Giada De Laurentiis (Everyday Italian) dazzles the group with her multi-tasking skills. The finalists are then asked to prepare two recipes while setting the perfect table.

And for fun, click here to read Guy's diary during the Food Network competition.

Rhode Island Calamari - recipe

Ingredients:
4 cups canola oil
4 ounces olive oil
4 ounces butter
1 cup sliced pepperoncini
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup minced garlic
1/2 cup white wine
1/4 cup clam juice
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 round loaf sourdough bread
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
12 ounces calamari, tubes and tentacles, cut in 1/4-inch thick
3 ounces diced Roma tomatoes
3 ounces chopped scallions

Directions:
Heat canola oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees F.

In a skillet over high heat, combine olive oil, butter, pepperoncini and onion. Saute until lightly caramelized, then add garlic and cook until tender. Deglaze with white wine and cook until slightly reduced. Add the clam juice, red pepper, and lower heat to a simmer.

Core out bread and lightly toast the bread bowl. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, seasoning salt and cayenne. Toss calamari in flour and shake off excess.

Fry calamari in oil until golden brown and crispy. Toss fried calamari with the sauce and pour into the toasted bread bowl. Garnish with Roma tomatoes and scallions.

Click here to read some comments from Guy Fieri, four years removed from his debut on the Next Food Network Star, season 2.

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