Grilled Calamari with White Beans

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Place beans in large saucepan. Pour enough water over beans to cover by 3 inches. Bring to boil. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour. Add onion, thyme, and bay leaf to beans; simmer until beans are tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Drain. Discard onion, thyme, and bay leaf; return beans to saucepan.

   Step 2

   Heat 2 tablespoons oil in small skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and sauté until tender, about 4 minutes. Stir shallots into beans. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Rewarm over medium-low heat, stirring and adding more water to moisten if necessary, before serving.)

   Step 3

   Place calamari tentacles in medium bowl. Cut calamari bodies lengthwise in half. Using sharp knife, score bodies at 1/2-inch intervals in lattice pattern (do not cut through). Add to bowl. Add 2 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, and garlic; toss to coat. Let stand 1 hour.

   Step 4

   Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Drain calamari; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill just until slightly curled at edges, about 30 seconds per side.

   Step 5

   Stir parsley into warm beans. Divide beans among 6 plates. Top with calamari. Drizzle remaining 3 tablespoons oil over. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper.