Mediterranean Stuffed Squid

Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this delicious Mediterranean Stuffed Squid recipe. Stuffed with a flavorful mixture of vegetables and rice, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 600 grams Squid (1 large or 2 smaller ones)
• Olive oil
• Toothpicks

For The Stuffing:

• ½ medium-sized (80 grams) red onion, minced
• ½ small (20 grams) green onion, finely chopped
• ½ (30 grams) long sweet green pepper, finely chopped
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• ½ small (50 grams) zucchini, grated not too fine
• ½ small (60 grams) carrot, grated not too fine
• ½ small (30 grams) stick of celery, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup (75 grams) round short-grain white rice
• ½ large (120 grams) tomato, finely diced

For The Sauce:

• ½ medium-sized (80 grams) red onion, minced
• 1 cup (250 grams) tomato passata
• 1 teaspoon sweet red pepper
• 1 dried bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Clean and Prepare the Squid: Separate the head from the body. Discard the head and keep only the legs. Finely chop the legs and place them in a bowl. Remove everything inside the body of the Squid and rinse well. Remove also the outer skin if there is any, then place them in a strainer.
2. Make The Stuffing: In a non-stick frying pan, heat a generous splash of olive oil over high heat. Add the chopped Squid legs and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then add both types of onions, pepper, and garlic. Cook until slightly softened, then add zucchini and carrot, cooking until they also soften. Add the celery and rice, then the tomato and 1 cup of water. Season with salt and pepper. Turn heat to low and simmer covered until rice absorbs all the water. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Stuff the Squid: Using a spoon, stuff the Squid, leaving about 2 cm (1-inch) space at the top. Secure the top with one to two toothpicks.
4. Make The Sauce: In a medium-sized cooking pot, heat a splash of olive oil over high heat. Add the red onion and turn the heat to medium-low. Cook until the onion softens slightly, then add the stuffed Squid. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping occasionally. Add the passata, 2 cups of water, sweet red pepper, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer over medium heat for about 50-60 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Let the Squid rest in the sauce for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Servings: 4

This Mediterranean Stuffed Squid is a delightful dish that is sure to impress. The tender Squid stuffed with a flavorful mixture of vegetables and rice, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, is perfect for a special dinner or a gathering with friends and family. Enjoy!