Squid with Artichokes (Seppioline con Carciofi)
This delightful dish of Squid with Artichokes is a perfect combination of tender squid and earthy artichokes, bringing together simple, yet sophisticated flavors. Ideal for a light, yet filling meal, this recipe will transport you to the Mediterranean coast with its fragrant herbs and rich seafood broth. Paired with a glass of white wine, it makes an excellent option for dinner gatherings or special occasions.
Recipe Details
- Category: Main Course (Secondi Piatti)
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian (Mediterranean)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Squid (Seppie) | 400g |
| Artichokes (Carciofi) | 8 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | to taste |
| Butter | 30g |
| Pine Nuts (Pinoli) | 30g |
| Thyme (Timo) | 4 sprigs |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| White Wine | 1/2 cup |
| Fish Broth (Brodo di Pesce) | 250g |
| Parsley (Prezzemolo) | 1 sprig |
| Shallot (Scalogno) | 1 |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Artichokes: Start by removing the tough outer leaves of the artichokes. Trim the stems by cutting a few centimeters below the base of each artichoke and remove the thorny tips. Only keep the heart of the artichoke. As you clean each artichoke, rub the cut surface with half a lemon to prevent browning, and immediately place the cleaned artichoke in a bowl of water mixed with lemon juice (about 4-5 slices of lemon). This keeps the artichokes from discoloring while you work through the rest.
-
-
Slice the Artichokes: Once all the artichokes are cleaned, drain them well. Slice each one in half, remove the inner “beard,” and cut them into thin wedges.
-
Cook the Artichokes: In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and sauté for about 10 minutes until soft and translucent. Next, add the sliced artichokes, ensuring they’re evenly coated in the butter. Allow them to sauté for a few minutes, then season with salt and pepper. Pour in a ladle of fish broth and let the artichokes simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes until they are tender.
-
Prepare the Squid: While the artichokes are cooking, heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and the crushed garlic cloves (you can leave the garlic whole if you prefer to remove it later). Add the squid and sear for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
-
Combine the Squid and Artichokes: Once the squid is lightly browned, reduce the heat to low and add the cooked artichokes to the pan. Stir gently to combine and cover with a lid. Let it cook on low heat for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the squid to soften.
-
Finish the Dish: Once the squid is tender, stir in the pine nuts and thyme. Let the dish simmer for another 5 minutes, making sure the pine nuts are toasted and the flavors are well-blended.
-
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot, ideally with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 500mg |
| Potassium | 600mg |
| Vitamin A | 8% DV |
| Vitamin C | 20% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Tips for Success:
- Fresh Squid: Ensure you use fresh, high-quality squid for the best texture and flavor.
- Artichokes: If artichokes are difficult to find, you can substitute with frozen artichoke hearts or jarred ones, though fresh is always preferred for its depth of flavor.
- Fish Broth: If you don’t have fish broth, you can substitute with vegetable broth or chicken broth for a slightly different taste.
- Wine Pairing: Pair this dish with a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the seafood and delicate flavors of the artichokes.
Enjoy this Squid with Artichokes recipe as a perfect, flavorful, and satisfying main dish. It’s sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family meal!
