Stuffed Squid in Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 8 medium-sized squid, cleaned and tentacles reserved 8 medium-sized squid, cleaned and tentacles reserved
• 1 cup (150g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (150g) breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240ml) fish or vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) fish or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. 2.
   Stuff each squid with the breadcrumb mixture, leaving some space at the top for expansion during cooking. Secure the opening with toothpicks.
3. 3.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the crushed tomatoes, fish or vegetable broth, tomato paste, and bay leaf to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Gently place the stuffed squid and reserved tentacles into the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the tomato sauce.
6. 6.
   Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the squid is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Remove the toothpicks from the squid and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Squid — When cleaning the squid, make sure to remove the beak and the transparent quill from the body. Rinse the squid thoroughly under cold water to remove any sand or impurities.
• Breadcrumbs — For a more flavorful stuffing, use homemade breadcrumbs or toasted breadcrumbs. You can also experiment with different types of bread to add variety to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• To ensure tender squid, avoid overcooking as it can become rubbery.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
• Serve the Stuffed Squid in Tomato Sauce with crusty bread or over a bed of cooked rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• For a touch of freshness, squeeze some lemon juice over the dish before serving.
• If you're unable to find fresh squid, you can use frozen squid as a substitute.

Serving advice

Serve the Stuffed Squid in Tomato Sauce as a main course, accompanied by a side of crusty bread or cooked rice. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added pop of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed squid on a platter, surrounded by the vibrant tomato sauce. Drizzle some extra sauce over the squid and garnish with fresh parsley for an elegant presentation.