Recipe: Grilled squid with white bean salad

Total time: About 35 minutes

Servings: 4 to 6

Note: Squid are generally found at good fish markets and Asian markets, as well as Bristol Farms. This is also good with grilled shrimp. The shrimp will take a little longer to cook, but still only 3 or 4 minutes per side.

3 cups cooked white beans, about 2 (15-ounce) cans

1 cup diced celery

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped parsley, plus a few celery leaves

Olive oil

Lemon juice

Salt

1 pound cleaned squid

1/4 teaspoon pimenton de la vera (smoked paprika), or paprika

1. Rinse the beans gently under running water and drain. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the beans, celery, garlic and parsley. Stir in 3 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Season with one-half teaspoon salt. (This can be prepared to this point up to a day ahead and refrigerated, tightly sealed.)

2. Using a sharp knife, open the squid bodies up into flat sheets, then cut the sheets into long rectangles about one-half inch wide. Cut the legs in half. Thread the squid onto skewers. If the squid is already cut in rings, thread the rings onto skewers.

3. When ready to cook, prepare an extremely hot fire. You should be able to hold your hand 3 to 4 inches above the surface for only 2 to 3 seconds. Make sure the grill is very clean. Using a pair of tongs, rub the grill surface with a paper towel dipped in oil. Mound the beans on a platter or in shallow bowl.

4. Sprinkle the bean salad with pimenton de la Vera, taste and adjust seasoning for salt.

5. Season the squid liberally with salt, brush with oil and place the squid on the grill. Cook without moving them around, just until the undersides firm and begin to show grill marks, only about 1 minute. Turn and cook on the other side about 1 more minute.

6. Arrange the skewers over the white beans, squeeze lemon juice over the top and serve immediately.

Each of 6 servings: 275 calories; 21 grams protein; 30 grams carbohydrates; 6 grams fiber; 8 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 176 mg. cholesterol; 251 mg. sodium.