Squid Stuffed With Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Recipe
Welcome to Love with Recipes, where culinary creativity meets your kitchen! Today, we are excited to present a delightful dish that seamlessly combines the tender texture of squid with the creamy, savory filling of spinach and ricotta cheese. This recipe promises to be a showstopper on any dining table, providing a burst of flavor with every bite. Let’s dive into the details of this exquisite recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Recipe Overview
- Name: Squid Stuffed With Spinach and Ricotta Cheese
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Description: Make and share this Squid Stuffed With Spinach and Ricotta Cheese recipe from lovewithrecipes.com.
- Category: Squid
- Keywords: No Shell Fish, < 60 Mins
Ingredients
To create this delectable dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- Squid – 12 pieces
- Ricotta Cheese – 1/2 cup
- Fresh Spinach – 2 cups, chopped
- Parmesan Cheese – 1/4 cup, grated
- Black Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground
- Nutmeg – 1/4 teaspoon
- Fresh Parsley – 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
- Egg – 1, lightly beaten
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic Cloves – 2, minced
- Plum Tomatoes – 1 1/2 cups, chopped
- Tomato Paste – 1 tablespoon
- Fresh Rosemary – 1 teaspoon, chopped
- Dried Rosemary – 1/2 teaspoon
- Butter – 1 1/2 tablespoons
- Pine Nuts – 3 tablespoons
- Sunflower Seeds – 3 tablespoons (optional, for added texture)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 250.3
- Fat Content: 18.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 7g
- Cholesterol Content: 65.9mg
- Sodium Content: 275.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 13g
- Fiber Content: 5.1g
- Sugar Content: 4.3g
- Protein Content: 13.1g
- Servings: 6
Instructions
Preparation
-
Prepare the Squid:
- Begin by cutting off the tentacles from each squid, ensuring you have just the body cavity. Make sure to keep the bodies whole to prevent any leaks when stuffing them later. Reserve the tentacles for later use.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan, black pepper, nutmeg, parsley, and the lightly beaten egg. Mix well to create a smooth, even filling. Set this mixture aside.
Cooking the Sauce
- Cook the Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and stir, cooking for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Incorporate the chopped plum tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the tomato paste, reduce the heat, and add both fresh and dried rosemary. Allow the sauce to simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend the flavors.
Stuffing and Cooking the Squid
-
Stuff the Squid:
- While the sauce is simmering, carefully stuff each squid body with the spinach and cheese mixture. It is crucial to only fill each squid about one-third full to prevent bursting during cooking.
- For added security, poke a small hole or two in each squid body to release steam.
- Secure the opening of each squid with a toothpick.
-
Simmer the Stuffed Squid:
- Once the sauce has cooked, gently place the stuffed squid into the simmering sauce.
- Add the reserved tentacles to the sauce as well.
- Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes on one side, then carefully turn each squid and simmer for an additional 3 minutes. Be cautious when turning to avoid tearing the squid bodies.
Final Touches
-
Toast the Pine Nuts:
- While the squid is cooking, melt the butter in a clean pan over medium heat.
- Add the pine nuts and toast until they are golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Keep a close eye on them, as pine nuts can burn quickly.
-
Serve:
- Once the squid is cooked, carefully lift them out and place them on a warm, flat serving dish with sides.
- Spoon the simmered sauce around the squid and garnish with the toasted pine nuts. For an added crunch, you can sprinkle sunflower seeds over the top.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffed squid dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a light, refreshing salad or a simple garlic bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. A glass of crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors wonderfully.
Tips and Variations
- Squid Selection: When selecting squid, ensure they are fresh and clean. If possible, ask your fishmonger to clean them for you to save preparation time.
- Cheese Options: For a twist on flavor, you can substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese or even goat cheese. Each brings a unique taste profile to the dish.
- Vegetarian Variation: To make a vegetarian version, replace the squid with large, hollowed-out zucchini or bell peppers. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Nut-Free Option: If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the pine nuts and sunflower seeds. Instead, try adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Herbs and Spices: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Basil, thyme, or oregano can add a delightful aroma and taste.
Cooking Techniques
- Simmering Sauce: Simmering the sauce slowly allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and hearty base for the stuffed squid. Stirring occasionally prevents the sauce from burning and sticking to the pan.
- Stuffing Squid: Be gentle when stuffing the squid to avoid tearing. A small spoon or piping bag can help in neatly filling the squid bodies.
- Toasting Nuts: Toasting nuts enhances their flavor and adds a delicious crunch. Always toast on medium heat and stir frequently for even toasting.
Health Benefits
This dish is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:
- High Protein: Squid is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Low Carbohydrates: This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following a low-carb diet.
- Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Squid contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium, contributing to overall health.
- Calcium and Protein: Ricotta cheese provides calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle maintenance.
Culinary Journey
Embark on a culinary journey with this Squid Stuffed With Spinach and Ricotta Cheese recipe. It’s a testament to the beauty of combining simple, fresh ingredients to create a dish that is both elegant and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a special family meal, this recipe promises to impress and delight your guests with its exquisite flavors and textures.
Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with love and delicious aromas!
