Stuffed Squid in Tomato Sauce

Oct 16, 2021

4 min read

Here is one of my wonderful recipes on how to make stuffed squid in tomato sauce, a dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Living by the sea offers me the incredible advantage of having access to fresh seafood throughout the entire year, which allows me to prepare this delightful meal whenever the craving strikes.

Ingredients

Preparation Steps

The preparation of stuffed squid in tomato sauce is both straightforward and rewarding. Begin by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). While the oven is warming up, prepare the stuffing. In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Next, incorporate the diced cherry tomatoes into the skillet, followed by the cooked rice or quinoa. Stir in the chopped parsley and dried oregano, seasoning the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. This stuffing should be flavorful and aromatic, as it will infuse the squid with delightful tastes.

Now it’s time to stuff the squid. Using a small spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each squid tube with the prepared mixture, being cautious not to overfill them, as the squid will shrink slightly during cooking. Once filled, secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the stuffing from spilling out.

Cooking the Squid

In a large, oven-safe dish, pour the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Place the stuffed squid on top of the sauce, ensuring that they are snugly arranged. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the squid for added richness and flavor.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until the squid is tender and cooked through. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time will be nothing short of intoxicating.

Serving Suggestions

Once the squid is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the stuffed squid hot, spooning the luscious tomato sauce over the top. For an added touch of elegance, sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan cheese on each serving, allowing it to melt slightly into the warm sauce.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the rich tomato sauce, or a fresh green salad to complement the flavors.

Conclusion

You will enjoy every bite of this dish because it is not only very tasty and juicy, but it also brings the essence of the Mediterranean right to your table. The combination of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and the satisfying texture of the squid makes this meal a true delight for seafood lovers and a wonderful way to showcase the bounty of the sea.

Ingredients: simple, total time: 75 minutes, 6-8 servings

Preparation:

Thoroughly wash the squid and drain well. Separate the head and legs from the body, and also remove the tails.
Chop the legs and tails into small pieces and combine with cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley leaves, garlic, and eggs. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
Stuff the squid, ensuring the filling does not exceed halfway, as it will expand during cooking. Secure the opening with a toothpick.
Heat oil in a pan over moderate heat, and fry the squid on both sides until golden, approximately 6 minutes in total.
Add the tomatoes, season to taste, and incorporate the shredded basil.
Cook covered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
You can serve with rice, boiled chard , French fries, baked potatoes or potato salad, look recipe here!