Savor the tastes of Portugal with Choco Frito or Cuttlefish DishA cherished dish from Setúbal know for it tender fried cuttlefish,expertly seasoned and crisped.

Experience Portugal's culinary traditions and enjoy the authentic flavors of this coastal delight.

Ingredients:

  - 500g fresh cuttlefish, cleaned and sliced into rings

  - 1 cup all-purpose flour

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - 2 eggs, beaten

  - 1 cup breadcrumbs

  - Vegetable oil for frying

  - Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

Prep the Cuttlefish:

1-Rinse the cuttlefish under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

2-Slice the cuttlefish into rings, about 1/2 inch thick. You can also slice the tentacles if desired.

Season and Coat:

1-In a shallow dish, season the flour with salt and pepper to taste.

2-Dredge the cuttlefish rings in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.

Coat in Egg and Breadcrumbs:

1-Dip each floured cuttlefish ring into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's evenly coated.

2-Next, coat the cuttlefish in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the surface.

Fry the Cuttlefish:

1-In a large frying pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.

2-Carefully add the breaded cuttlefish rings to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

3-Fry the cuttlefish for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

4-Once cooked, transfer the fried cuttlefish to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serve:

1-Serve the Choco Frito hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the cuttlefish.

2-Enjoy this delicious specialty from the Setúbal region of Portugal as a main dish or appetizer, accompanied by your favorite side dishes.

Note: Be cautious while frying to avoid oil splatters. Adjust seasoning according to personal preference and serve hot for the best taste and texture. Enjoy your homemade Choco Frito!

Nutritional Values :

Fresh Cuttlefish (500g):

  - Calories: 320

  - Protein: 66g

  - Fat: 4g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

benefits :

  - Protein: Essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall health.

  - Low Fat: Cuttlefish is relatively low in fat, making it a lean source of protein.

  - Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Provides essential nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12, which are important for various bodily functions including blood health and nerve function.

All-Purpose Flour (1 cup):

  - Calories: 455

  - Protein: 12g

  - Fat: 1g

  - Carbohydrates: 95g

  - Fiber: 3g

benefits :

  - Energy Source: Flour provides carbohydrates, the body's primary source of energy, which fuels physical activity and brain function.

  - Dietary Fiber: While all-purpose flour is not high in fiber, it still contains a small amount, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.

Eggs (2 large):

  - Calories: 140

  - Protein: 12g

  - Fat: 9g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fiber: 0g

benefits :

  - Protein: Eggs are a high-quality protein source, containing all essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth.

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in nutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, choline, and selenium, which support various bodily functions including bone health, brain function, and metabolism.

Breadcrumbs (1 cup):

  - Calories: 400

  - Protein: 12g

  - Fat: 4g

  - Carbohydrates: 80g

  - Fiber: 4g

benefits :

  - Carbohydrates: Breadcrumbs contribute additional carbohydrates, providing energy for daily activities.

  - Fiber: Breadcrumbs contain some fiber, aiding digestion and promoting feelings of fullness.

Vegetable Oil (for frying, approximate usage):

  - Calories: 1200 (for 1 cup, but actual usage may vary)

  - Fat: 136g

  - No significant protein, carbohydrates, or fiber.

benefits :

  - Healthy Fats: While frying adds fat to the dish, using vegetable oil provides unsaturated fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease when consumed in moderation.

  - Calories: While high in calories, oil provides concentrated energy, necessary for bodily functions and physical activity.

Lemon Wedges (for serving, nutritional values negligible as they are primarily used for flavoring)

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, cooking methods, and specific product variations. It's also important to note that frying will add additional calories and fat due to the absorption of oil.