Calamari Spaghetti

Recently, I saw a Healthy Chinese Cooking Show that actually suggested eating squid, calamari, octopus and cuttlefish to lower your cholesterol.  That was completely news to me as I always thought these have the highest cholesterol level among all other seafood and which should be avoided. But they said when you clean your calamari, squid, octopus and cuttlefish completely (don't eat the internal organ and the eggs), then the cholesterol level is not too bad.  Furthermore, it has good vitamins and minerals that the body needs such as Vitamin B2, B3 and B12, potassium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron, protein and phosphorous that are actually good for us.  It also has omega 3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA which can lower bad cholesterol.  However, how you cook and prepare this is important too, raw (as in sushi), steam, or lightly stir-fry is best compared to batter it and deep-fry and eat it with dipping sauce.  For people with already high cholesterol level, consult with your doctor first as this piece of information is very new to me too.  Food high in cholesterol doesn't mean it will raise your blood cholesterol such as egg and squid, unlike food high in saturated fat.  In any case, moderation is still the key, occasional treat shouldn't be a problem.

Ingredients:

1 box of spaghetti, cook as package instruction and set aside (or thin spaghetti, fettuccine, whole wheat)
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. butter, separate (omit it for healthier choice)
8 oz. calamari, cut into rings
4-5 fresh brown mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 bowl of cut broccoli florets
Some cilantro leaves, chopped, about 1/4 cup (or parsley)
Extra virgin olive oil for cooking

Seasonings:
Sea salt, Italian seasonings, peppercorn medley, rice wine/ white wine

Method:

1.  Heat up your flying pan.  When hot, add in extra virgin olive oil and onion.  Stir-fry for a little while.  Add garlic, stir-fry well.  Add mushrooms and broccoli, stir-fry well or until soften.  

2.  Push the cooked items to the side of the pan, add in 1 Tbsp. of butter, when melted, add in calamari.  Quickly stir-fry it, careful not to cook it for too long.  Add in rice wine/ white wine, cooked spaghetti and seasonings to taste.  Mix well.  

3.  Add in cilantro or parsley, mix well.  Turn off the heat. Add the last 1 Tbsp. butter, mix well.  Do a taste test and season accordingly.