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1
Heat the oil: Fill a large, heavy-based saucepan about halfway with oil.
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2
Begin to heat the oil over medium heat but don't let it get ripping until you have everything else ready to go.
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3
Prepare the squid and vegetables: Separate the bodies and the tentacles of the squid.
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4
If the squid are big, cut the tentacles in half.
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5
Cut the squid bodies open so they lie flat, then cut into 1/4-inch-thick, 1 1/2-inch-long strips.
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6
Soak the squid in the milk while you prepare the rest of the fritto misto.
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7
Trim the artichoke stems and remove the outer leaves.
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8
Slice them very thinly through the stem end.
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9
(If you have true baby artichokes, you don't have to worry about the choke; if you can only find large artichokes, remove the spiny choke before slicing.)
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10
Trim the ends off the zucchini and slice lengthwise about 1/4 inch thick, then cut into 1 1/2-inch-long sticks.
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11
Set up your fry station: On a sheet pan or large platter, combine the flour, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.
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12
Have the sliced lemon, garlic, parsley and rosemary prepared and nearby.
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13
Line a platter with paper towels or parchment paper.
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14
Increase the heat of the oil until it reaches 375 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer.
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15
Meanwhile, drain the squid; toss the squid, artichokes and zucchini in the flour.
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16
Shake the baking sheet back and forth to coat the ingredients.
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17
Once the oil is up to temperature, add about one-third of the floured goods, plus a few of the lemon and garlic slices, and let cook for about 1 minute.
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18
Add about a third of the rosemary and the parsley and continue to cook until the vegetables and squid are a light golden brown, another 1 to 2 minutes.
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19
Using a spider or a Chinese strainer (or as a last resort, a slotted spoon), transfer the fried foods to the lined platter to drain.
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20
Season with more salt and chopped parsley and serve with the lemon wedges.
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21
This is best served hot, so let your guests dig in while you begin cooking the next batch.
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22
Photograph by David Malosh