Seafood Salad in Canning Jars (Insalata di Mare in Vasocottura)
Category: Appetizers | Serves: 4
This delightful seafood salad, prepared using the sous-vide jar technique (known as “vasocottura” in Italian), offers a flavorful combination of shrimp, baby squid, and fresh vegetables. Perfectly seasoned with olive oil, thyme, and lemon zest, it’s an easy yet impressive dish that highlights the natural flavors of the ocean.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 12 pieces |
| Baby squid (seppiolini) | 12 pieces |
| Carrot | 1, medium |
| Fresh spring onion (cipollotto) | 1, medium |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 4 tbsp |
| Fresh thyme | To taste |
| Lemon zest | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by preparing all your ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp, removing the heads and shells. Cut a shallow slit along the back of each shrimp to remove the dark vein. |
| 2 | Take the baby squid (seppiolini), separate the tentacles, and slice the body into thin strips. |
| 3 | Peel the carrot and slice it diagonally into thin rounds. Cut each round into quarters for a bite-sized shape. |
| 4 | Clean the fresh spring onion and slice it thinly on the diagonal as well. |
| 5 | Now it’s time to assemble the jars. Use new, sterilized jars that are suitable for sous-vide cooking with airtight seals. Start by layering the shrimp at the bottom of each jar. |
| 6 | Add the sliced baby squid, followed by the carrot and spring onion. |
| 7 | Drizzle each jar with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, fresh thyme leaves, and a pinch of grated lemon zest. |
| 8 | Seal each jar tightly, ensuring it is airproof. |
| 9 | To cook, follow your preferred sous-vide method, typically at around 180°F (82°C) for 20-25 minutes. If you don’t have sous-vide equipment, place the jars in a pot of simmering water for the same time frame. |
| 10 | Once done, remove the jars from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. Open the jars and serve the seafood salad warm or at room temperature. |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fats | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
This unique seafood salad makes an elegant appetizer for dinner parties or as a special treat for a weekend meal. The gentle cooking technique retains the delicate texture of the shrimp and squid, making it a refreshing dish with every bite. Enjoy!
