Stuffed calamari with chicken and vegetables

Stuffed calamari with chicken and vegetables

If you are a seafood lover and want to try a delicious recipe, this is the perfect choice! Stuffed calamari with a savory mix of chicken and vegetables is not just a meal option, but also a culinary experience that will take you on a wave of flavors. Here’s how you can prepare this captivating recipe, step by step, to achieve an exceptional result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 4 tubes of calamari
- 300 g boneless chicken thighs
- 4 medium carrots
- 1 zucchini
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 4 slices of chorizo sausage
- 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cloves
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

A short story about the recipe

Stuffed calamari is a specialty that has won the hearts of many, due to its versatility and the way it can be adapted to different tastes. This recipe combines the tradition of seafood with modern influences, bringing to the table a combination of flavors that delights any gourmet. The rich filling of chicken and vegetables makes this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.

Step by step

1. Marinating the chicken

Start by cutting the chicken thighs into small cubes. Place them in a bowl and add the soy sauce, cinnamon, chili flakes, and a pinch of pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Marinating will not only give the chicken a more intense flavor but will also help tenderize the meat.

2. Preparing the vegetables

While the chicken is marinating, peel the carrots and zucchini and cut them into small cubes. These vegetables not only add extra flavor but also a pleasant texture to the dish.

3. Cooking the filling

In a pan, heat a little olive oil. Add the chopped garlic cloves and finely chopped chorizo. Sauté them until the chorizo becomes golden and aromatic. Then, add the chopped vegetables and a few capers. Sauté everything for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables become slightly soft.

4. Cooking the chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the pan with the vegetables and let it cook well. This will take about 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is tender and well-cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Stuffing the calamari

After the filling is ready, take the cleaned and drained calamari tubes. Fill each tube with the chicken and vegetable mixture, being careful not to overfill them. Use a toothpick to close the end of the calamari so that the filling does not leak out during cooking.

6. Cooking the calamari

Preheat a grill and place the stuffed calamari on it for 1 minute to give them a nice color and smoky flavor. Then, transfer them to a baking dish where you have added a little oil and chicken broth. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and let the calamari bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 12-13 minutes.

7. Preparing the rice

While the calamari are baking, prepare the basmati rice. Rinse the rice under cold water, then place it in a pot with water and add salt and cloves. Cook the rice according to the package instructions, usually 10-15 minutes. Finally, drain the excess water.

8. Serving

Serve the stuffed calamari alongside the basmati rice, garnishing with a few capers or freshly chopped parsley. If you want to add a fresh touch, a lemon sauce would be perfect!

Useful tips

- Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Storage: If you have leftover stuffed calamari, you can keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispy texture.
- Sides: These calamari pair perfectly with a garlic yogurt sauce or a fresh green salad.

Nutritional information (per serving)

- Calories: approximately 450 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with pork or fish. Each variant will bring a specific flavor.

2. What other vegetables can I use?
You can add bell peppers, peas, or even spinach for a more varied filling.

3. How can I enhance the flavor?
Add spices like paprika or lemon juice to the filling for an extra kick.

Conclusion

These stuffed calamari with chicken and vegetables are an excellent choice for a special meal or a family weekend evening. With each bite, you will enjoy a savory combination of ingredients, and preparing them becomes a pleasure in itself. Don’t forget to experiment and put your personal touch on the recipe! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: I used: 4 tubes of squid, 4 medium-sized carrots, 1 zucchini, chicken thighs, soy sauce, cinnamon, chili flakes, capers, 2 cloves of garlic, 4 slices of chorizo sausage, basmati rice, cloves.

 Tags:  stuffed calamari seafood