Papua New Guinean Style Squid with Onion

Ingredients

In this Papua New Guinean adaptation, we incorporate local ingredients and spices to give the dish a distinct flavor profile. The original Spanish dish is known for its use of paprika and white wine, but in this version, we replace them with indigenous spices and coconut milk. The result is a unique fusion of Spanish and Papua New Guinean cuisines, creating a dish that is both familiar and exciting. We alse have the original recipe for Calamares encebollados, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) squid, cleaned and sliced into rings 500g (1.1 lb) squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
• 1 red chili, finely chopped 1 red chili, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
3. 3.
   Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped chili to the pan. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, mix together turmeric powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Add this spice mixture to the pan and stir well.
5. 5.
   Add the sliced squid to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns opaque.
6. 6.
   Pour in the coconut milk and season with salt. Stir well to combine.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or roti.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Squid — Make sure to clean the squid thoroughly, removing the innards and the transparent cartilage. You can ask your fishmonger to clean it for you if needed.
• Coconut milk — Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture in the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili according to your taste.
• For a tangy twist, squeeze some lime juice over the cooked squid before serving.
• Serve the dish with a side of fresh tropical fruits to balance the flavors.

Serving advice

Papua New Guinean Style Squid with Onion is best served hot with steamed rice or roti. The flavors intensify as it sits, so it can also be enjoyed as leftovers the next day.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color. Serve it in a vibrant bowl or on a banana leaf for an authentic Papua New Guinean touch.