Stuffed calamari with wine sauce

Stuffed calamari with wine sauce - a delicious and captivating recipe

If you're looking for a recipe that impresses with taste and appearance, you've come to the right place. Stuffed calamari are a perfect choice for a special dinner, but they can also be an excellent option for a weekend meal. This recipe will show you how to prepare stuffed calamari with wine sauce, a savory combination that will delight your guests.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg calamari (preferably small and cleaned)
- 100 g sausages or bologna (optional)
- 1 dl olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 100 g bread crumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 medium onions
- 1 tomato (peeled)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon Indian saffron or curry
- 3 dl white wine
- 1 kg boiled white potatoes for garnish
- 1 tablespoon butter for mashed potatoes
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 dl milk
- Nutmeg to taste
- Fresh parsley for decoration

Brief history:
Stuffed calamari have a rich history in Mediterranean cuisine, often served in various forms, either stuffed with rice, meat, or vegetables, or cooked in aromatic sauces. This dish reflects the rich culinary traditions and diversity of local ingredients, and this recipe pays homage to these influences. It is not just a meal but an experience that evokes the flavors and aromas of a festive gathering.

Preparing the stuffed calamari:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by preparing the calamari. If you purchased fresh calamari, it is ideal to ask the seller to clean them. If they are frozen, make sure they are completely thawed before starting. They are easier to stuff and cook.

2. The filling:
In a frying pan, add 2 minced garlic cloves, the sausages or bologna cut into small cubes, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the sausages become slightly crispy.

Then add the bread crumbs and let them soak in the flavored oil for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the filling is ready, let it cool slightly, then stuff the calamari with this mixture. Use toothpicks to close them.

3. Cooking the calamari:
In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion along with the other 2 remaining garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until they become translucent. Add the diced tomato and the stuffed calamari. Season with salt, pepper, Indian saffron or curry, and pour in the white wine.

Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. Check from time to time to ensure that the sauce does not evaporate completely. This sauce will be rich and flavorful, perfect to accompany the calamari.

4. Mashed potato garnish:
While the calamari are cooking, you can prepare the mashed potatoes. Boil the white potatoes until soft, then drain and mash them. Add the butter, egg yolks, and milk. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Mix well until you achieve a creamy and smooth mash.

5. Serving:
On a platter, place a layer of mashed potatoes and carefully top with the stuffed calamari. Pour the wine sauce over and decorate with chopped fresh parsley. This presentation not only looks good but also enhances the flavors.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with various fillings by adding finely chopped vegetables or different types of cheese for a creamy touch.
- If you want a lighter version, you can skip the sausages and add vegetables like zucchini or spinach for a vegetarian filling.
- Make sure the calamari are well stuffed, but do not overfill them to prevent them from breaking during cooking.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein from the calamari and sausages, also providing a good source of carbohydrates from the mashed potatoes. Additionally, it contains healthy fats from the olive oil. Generally, a serving of stuffed calamari with mashed potatoes contains about 500-600 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use small or large calamari?
Answer: Small calamari are easier to stuff and cook, but you can also use large calamari, ensuring that the filling is well distributed.
- What type of wine is best for this recipe?
Answer: A dry white wine with balanced acidity is ideal for adding depth to the sauce.

Recipes and drinks that complement the meal:
This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a tomato and onion salad, providing a pleasant contrast to the rich flavors of the stuffed calamari. As for drinks, a glass of dry white wine or a fresh lemonade are excellent choices to complement this meal.

Add this recipe to your culinary repertoire and enjoy the rich taste and delicate texture of stuffed calamari with wine sauce. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg squid optional 100 g sausage* 1 dl olive oil 4 cloves of garlic 100 g bread crumbs salt, pepper 2 onions 1 peeled red onion 1 tablespoon butter 1 teaspoon Indian saffron or curry 3 dl white wine For mashed potato garnish: 1 kg boiled white potatoes 1 tablespoon butter 2 egg yolks 1 dl milk chopped parsley