Italian Stuffed Calamari With Marinara

Fish

“You're going to love this recipe because it's a restaurant-quality dinner that's perfect for holidays and family gatherings. You'll feel like a 5-star chef!”

--Christina, WeekdayPescatarian.com

Ingredients:

– calamari tubes – olive oil – garlic cloves – breadcrumbs – parmesan – fresh parsley – fresh basil – egg – lemon zest – salt and pepper – red pepper flakes – white wine – tomato puree – butter – polenta (for service)

Let's Get Cooking

1. Prep Sauce

Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes gently in olive oil until garlic is tender. Add white wine and reduce.

Add tomato puree and a teaspoon of coarse salt. Simmer. Add butter and fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning.

2. Prep Calamari

Cut the tentacles off each calamari tube, and dice finely. Set the tubes aside for stuffing in a few mins.

3. Prep Stuffing 

Sauté  garlic and spices for 3-4 mins. Add diced calamari and cook for another minute.

Remove from heat and add breadcrumbs, parmesan, lemon zest, fresh parsley and basil. Stir to combine.

4. Stuff Calamari

Fill each calamari tube up to 1/2 inch from the top to prevent overflowing while they cook.

Use a toothpick to thread the top closed.

5. Simmer!

Nestle the stuffed calamari tubes into the sauce, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and simmer until tender.

6

Slice the stuffed calamari tubes and serve them over polenta. Garnish with red sauce, parmesan and fresh basil.

Prep  for Service

Take a bow, chef!

Congratulations! You have mastered a delicious Italian classic! 

Hungry for More?

Try this Broiled Scallops with Italian Salsa Verde next!

I'm Christina, an American living in Portugal. I share fish-forward recipes from my tiny seaside flat. Follow for more easy and impressive seafood ideas!