Stuffed squid is a tasty and flavorful main course, perfect for those who love seafood cuisine. Soft inside and wrapped in a delicious tomato sauce, it’s a dish that conquers at the first taste!
But what is squid? It is a cephalopod mollusk similar to calamari, found in the Mediterranean Sea. It has an elongated body, tentacles with suckers, and flesh with a decided flavor. Today we cook it together, following a simple recipe accessible to everyone!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Affordable
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 2 squids (medium size or 1 large)
- 4 slices white bread
- 2 eggs
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- to taste chopped parsley
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 oz cheese (grated)
- 14 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 onion
- to taste basil (fresh)
Preparation
Clean the squids, removing the innards and beak. Rinse them well under running water.
Chop the white bread and mix it with the eggs, parsley, chopped garlic, grated cheese, salt, and pepper.
If the mixture is too dry, add a bit of milk or water to soften it.
Fill the squids with the stuffing, without overdoing it to prevent them from opening while cooking.
Close them with toothpicks or kitchen twine and pierce them with a fork.
In a large pot, sauté a drizzle of oil with the garlic and chopped onion.
Add the squids and brown them for a few minutes on all sides.
Remove the squids from the pot and pour in the tomato sauce. Cook for a few minutes.
Return the squids to the pot, add salt, pepper, and a few basil leaves.
Cook slowly for about 40 minutes, turning occasionally.
The secret to perfect cooking? The squid should be tender, with a uniform pink color.
The stuffed squid is a traditional recipe that brings all the flavor of the sea to the table. Perfect for a family lunch or a special dinner, it’s easy to prepare and rich in taste. Try it and let me know in the comments if you added any special ingredients!
Tips and Variations
Use the sauce to dress pasta: if you add more tomato sauce, you can turn it into an excellent dressing for spaghetti or linguine.
Customize the stuffing: add capers, sun-dried tomatoes, or chopped tentacles for an even more intense flavor.
Alternative cooking: you can bake the squid at 350°F for about 30 minutes, covering it with tomato sauce.
FAQ – Stuffed Squid
What is the difference between squid and calamari?
The squid has a more tapered body with smaller fins compared to the calamari. Its flesh is slightly tougher but becomes tender with slow and prolonged cooking.
Can I use calamari instead of squid?
Yes! Calamari has softer flesh and cooks faster, so reduce the cooking time to 20-25 minutes to avoid it becoming rubbery.
How do I know if the squid is cooked?
The squid is ready when the flesh becomes pink and tender. If it is still too hard, extend the cooking a few more minutes on low heat.
The stuffing is too dry, how can I soften it?
If the mixture is dry, add a bit of milk, broth, or a drizzle of oil until you achieve a soft but compact consistency.
Can I bake the stuffed squid?
Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes, covered with tomato sauce and a drizzle of oil. Check the cooking to avoid it drying out too much.
Can stuffed squid be frozen?
Yes! You can freeze it raw or cooked. If you freeze it raw, completely thaw in the fridge before cooking. If you freeze it cooked, heat it gently with some sauce.
What can I serve with stuffed squid?
You can serve it with crusty bread, white rice, or pasta dressed with its sauce.
