Mediterranean Seafood Skewers with Garlic and Parsley

Spiedini di Mare (Seafood Skewers) Recipe

Category: Main Courses
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

If you’re craving a delightful and fresh seafood dish that will impress both your family and guests, these Spiedini di Mare (Seafood Skewers) are the perfect choice. Packed with tender calamari, succulent shrimp, and juicy cherry tomatoes, these skewers are seasoned to perfection with a hint of garlic, parsley, and a touch of extra virgin olive oil. Perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, yet moist and flavorful on the inside, these skewers will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Seafood:
   Begin by preparing the squid (totani). First, remove the tentacles and set them aside. Then, carefully empty the squid’s body, removing all the internal organs. Clean the body of the squid thoroughly. With a sharp knife, make a central cut along the length of the squid to open it up.

   If you’re using whole calamari, follow the same procedure: gently cut along the body to remove the inner parts, making sure the calamari are properly cleaned.

2. Prepare the Shrimp:
   Use a small knife to make an incision along the back of each shrimp. Remove the dark vein, also known as the “black thread,” to ensure the shrimp are clean and pleasant to eat.

3. Cut the Tomatoes:
   Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, ensuring each skewer gets a lovely burst of sweetness from the tomatoes during grilling.

4. Assemble the Skewers:
   Begin by threading the seafood onto the skewers. Start with a strip of calamari, threading it onto the skewer, and then alternate between the folds of calamari and the rectangles of totani (squid tubes). Follow with a halved cherry tomato and a shrimp. Continue the pattern with another piece of calamari, totani, and finish with a final cherry tomato half and a small piece of totano.

   Repeat the process for the remaining skewers, ensuring each one has a lovely balance of seafood and vegetables.

5. Prepare the Breadcrumb Coating:
   In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs (pangrattato) with finely chopped fresh parsley and garlic. Add a pinch of black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil, mixing everything well. The breadcrumbs should be lightly moistened but not too soggy.

6. Coat the Skewers:
   Gently roll the assembled seafood skewers in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure each skewer is evenly coated on all sides. This coating will give the seafood a delicious crispy texture when cooked.

7. Cook the Skewers:
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the prepared skewers into the skillet. Cook the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

   You may need to cook the skewers in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the pan and set them aside.

8. Deglaze with White Wine:
   After the skewers are cooked, pour 40ml of white wine into the same skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes, scraping up any flavorful bits left in the pan. This will create a lovely sauce to drizzle over the skewers before serving.

9. Serve:
   Arrange the spiedini di mare on a platter and drizzle with the white wine reduction. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy, juicy seafood and fresh, vibrant flavors!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These seafood skewers make an excellent addition to any meal, whether you’re serving them as part of a Mediterranean-inspired feast or simply enjoying a delicious, light dinner. Pair with a fresh salad or some grilled vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy the flavors of the sea with this delicious recipe!

This recipe will surely become a go-to for any seafood lover looking for a healthy yet indulgent dish. The blend of calamari, shrimp, and totani with fresh herbs and a delicate breadcrumb coating is both satisfying and full of flavor, perfect for any occasion.