Mediterranean Stuffed Squid Recipe

Dive into the flavors of the Mediterranean with this delicious and visually stunning Mediterranean Stuffed Squid. This dish brings together a delightful mix of vegetables, rice, and squid, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special!

Ingredients

Squid

• 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

Clean and Prepare the Squid

1. Separate the Head from the Body: Discard the head and keep only the legs. Finely chop the legs and place them in a bowl.
2. Remove Everything Inside the Body: Rinse well and remove the outer skin if there is any. Place the cleaned squid in a strainer.

Make The Stuffing

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a non-stick frying pan, heat a generous splash of olive oil over high heat.
2. Cook Squid Legs: Add the chopped squid legs and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Vegetables: Add both types of onions, pepper, and garlic. Cook until slightly softened.
4. Add Zucchini and Carrot: Continue cooking until they also soften. Then, add the celery and rice.
5. Add Tomato and Water: Add the tomato and 1 cup of water. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer: Turn heat to low and simmer covered until rice absorbs all the water. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Stuff the Squid

1. Stuff the Squid: Using a spoon, stuff the squid, leaving about 2 cm (1-inch) space at the top.
2. Secure with Toothpicks: Secure the top with one to two toothpicks.

Make The Sauce

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a medium-sized cooking pot, heat a splash of olive oil over high heat.
2. Cook Onion: Add the red onion and turn the heat to medium-low. Cook until the onion softens slightly.
3. Add Stuffed Squid: Add the stuffed squid and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping occasionally.
4. Add Sauce Ingredients: Add the passata, 2 cups of water, sweet red pepper, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer: Cover and simmer over medium heat for about 50-60 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
6. Rest: 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 per serving
• Servings: 4

This Mediterranean Stuffed Squid is a flavorful and healthy dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the rich, savory taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!