Garlic-Sautéed Calamari with Peas in White Wine Sauce

Squid with Peas (Calamari con Piselli)
Category: Main Course
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the squid
   Start by cleaning the squid. Rinse them under cold water, then carefully separate the head from the body. Remove the inner contents, the cartilage pen (which looks like a thin plastic strip), and discard the beak. Rinse thoroughly, both inside and out, and peel off the skin. Cut the squid into roughly 2 cm rings.

2. Prepare the spring onion
   Peel and finely chop the spring onion.

3. Sauté the spring onion
   In a large frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spring onion, season with a pinch of salt, and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing it to soften and become aromatic.

4. Cook the squid
   While the spring onion cooks, heat another pan and add a splash of olive oil. Place the squid rings in the pan along with the whole garlic clove (which will be removed later). Pour in the dry white wine and allow it to cook for about 10 minutes over medium-low heat. The squid should cook gently, becoming tender but not rubbery. After 10 minutes, remove the garlic clove from the pan.

5. Combine peas and simmer
   Add the frozen peas to the squid mixture, then drizzle with a little more olive oil. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The peas should be tender and heated through, and the flavors should meld together beautifully.

6. Season and serve
   Taste the dish and adjust the salt if needed. Serve the squid and peas hot, paired with toasted slices of bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions:
This dish is perfect as a stand-alone main course or served with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. A light, chilled white wine would complement it beautifully.

Enjoy the tender calamari in a simple yet flavorful sauce, enriched with the sweetness of peas and the aromatic hint of white wine!