Calamari with Olives Recipe
Category: Main Course
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Squid (cleaned) | 1 kg |
| Black olives | 200 g |
| Tomato passata | 80 g |
| Shallot | 1 |
| Dry white wine | 100 ml |
| Butter | 50 g |
| Fresh parsley | 4 sprigs |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Instructions
Start by preparing your squid. Rinse them under cold running water to clean them thoroughly. Gently pull off the heads from the bodies, ensuring to keep them aside for later use. Next, extract the transparent cartilage pen from each squid mantle, and rinse the body again to remove any remaining inner contents. Carefully remove the outer skin of the squid, ensuring a smooth, clean surface.
Once cleaned, slice the squid into rings about 1 cm wide. Set aside.
For the aromatic base of your dish, finely chop the shallot, garlic, and parsley. This mixture will infuse the dish with a burst of flavor.
Now, heat the extra virgin olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add the finely chopped shallot, garlic, and parsley. Allow them to soften and release their fragrant aromas. Stir occasionally, ensuring the mixture does not burn. Once the shallots have softened and the garlic has infused the oil, pour in the tomato passata, stirring gently to combine.
Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Keep an eye on the sauce to prevent it from reducing too much. If the sauce begins to thicken too quickly, you can add a ladle of hot water to maintain the desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
After about 10 minutes of simmering, add the squid rings to the sauce, stirring to coat them evenly. Pour in the dry white wine, allowing it to deglaze the pan and infuse the squid with an extra layer of flavor. Continue to cook the squid for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the squid is cooked through and tender, add the black olives to the skillet. Stir gently to incorporate them into the dish, and let them warm through in the sauce for a few minutes.
Your Calamari with Olives is now ready to be served! Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of color and flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread to soak up the savory tomato sauce or a light salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy this delicious, Mediterranean-inspired seafood dish as a centerpiece for any special occasion or a cozy family dinner. Itβs sure to impress with its balanced flavors and satisfying textures!
