Stuffed calamari

Stuffed Calamari Recipe

If you want to impress someone with a delicious and aromatic meal, stuffed calamari are the perfect choice. This recipe, rooted in culinary traditions from around the world, showcases how versatile this ingredient can be. Calamari are usually stuffed with a variety of ingredients, but I have fallen in love with the delicious combination of rice, chorizo, and tentacles. I invite you to discover how to create a savory dinner that will bring joy and satisfaction.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 500-600 g cleaned calamari (choose larger specimens for easier stuffing)
- A handful of rice (about 100 g)
- 1 large onion and 1/2 medium onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 150 ml tomato paste
- 1/2 chorizo (about 100 g)
- 2 surimi sticks
- 1 bay leaf
- 100 ml dry red wine
- Fresh coriander (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil

Ingredient Details

- Calamari: Choose larger calamari as they are easier to stuff and will have a tender texture after cooking. Ensure they are well cleaned, without membranes or intestines.
- Chorizo: This Spanish sausage adds a rich and spicy flavor, but you can also experiment with bacon or other types of sausages for a different taste.
- Rice: You can use any type of rice, but long-grain rice absorbs flavors well and remains fluffy.
- Surimi: This adds an umami note and an interesting texture; if you don't have it, you can omit it or use white fish.

Step by Step

1. Cook the Rice: Start by boiling the rice. Add water and a pinch of salt, cooking for about 5 minutes, just until it becomes slightly soft but not fully cooked. Once boiled, drain it and let it cool.

2. Prepare the Filling: Finely chop 1/2 onion, chorizo, calamari tentacles (if you kept them), and surimi. In a pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the onion and chorizo until the onion becomes translucent.

3. Add the Tentacles: Once the onion has softened, add the chopped tentacles and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. This step will enhance the flavors of the filling.

4. Complete the Filling: Remove the pan from the heat and add surimi, the drained rice, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Let the filling cool slightly.

5. Stuff the Calamari: Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill the calamari with the prepared mixture. Fill them only three-quarters full, as they will shrink during cooking. Secure the ends with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking.

6. Prepare the Sauce: In a large pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and the other half of the finely chopped onion. Sauté until golden. Add the chopped garlic, bay leaf, and the remaining tomato paste. Let it sauté for 5 minutes.

7. Add the Wine and Calamari: After 5 minutes, add the wine and let it boil for a few minutes to evaporate the alcohol. Place the calamari in the pot and, if you have any filling left, add it as well. Add water until the calamari are covered.

8. Cook: Cover the pot and let it simmer over moderate heat for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

9. Final Touch: 5 minutes before turning off the heat, add finely chopped coriander for an extra flavor boost.

10. Serving: After cooking, remove the calamari from the pot and place them on a platter. Serve warm, drizzled with the sauce from the pot.

Serving Suggestions

To complement this delicious meal, you can serve stuffed calamari alongside a fresh green salad with cherry tomatoes and a dressing of lemon juice and olive oil. Basmati rice or mashed potatoes can also be excellent accompaniments. Additionally, I suggest serving them with a glass of dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Variations

- Meatless: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace chorizo with sautéed mushrooms and add vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers to the filling.
- Spices: Experiment with herbs like basil or oregano to give the recipe a different twist.

Nutritional Benefits

Calamari are an excellent source of protein, being low in calories and fat. Additionally, they are rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium, which contribute to immune system health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen calamari? Yes, frozen calamari are a good option. Make sure they are well thawed and drained before stuffing.

2. Can they be prepared in advance? Stuffed calamari can be prepared in advance and reheated. The taste will be just as delicious.

3. What other ingredients can I add to the filling? You can experiment with feta cheese, olives, or other types of fish. Each variation will add a unique note.

I hope this stuffed calamari recipe inspires you to cook and brings a touch of joy to your kitchen! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500-600 g cleaned calamari (preferably larger to make them easier to handle) a handful of rice 1 and a half onions 3 cloves of garlic 150 ml tomato paste half a chorizo 2 sticks of surimi a bay leaf 100 ml dry red wine fresh coriander salt pepper olive oil

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