Stuffed Squid with Swiss Chard, Raisins, and Almonds
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 4
This recipe for stuffed squid with Swiss chard, raisins, and almonds brings together a beautiful harmony of flavors. The sweet raisins and crunchy almonds complement the savory, tender squid, all while being infused with a subtle depth from soy sauce and extra virgin olive oil. A delightful and nutritious meal, it’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special dinner at home. Follow this easy-to-make recipe, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready in no time!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Squid | 8 whole |
| Swiss chard (bietole) | 300g |
| Soy sauce | 100g |
| Raisins (uva passa) | 60g |
| Sliced almonds (mandorle in scaglie) | 50g |
| Extra virgin olive oil (olio extravergine d’oliva) | 80g |
| Black pepper (pepe nero) | To taste |
| Water | 250g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Swiss Chard: Begin by roughly chopping the Swiss chard. Rinse it well under cold running water. Heat a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and add the Swiss chard. Stir occasionally until the chard wilts and cooks down. Add the raisins and sliced almonds to the pan, stirring to combine. Season with a pinch of black pepper to taste. Once the mixture is cooked, remove from heat and set aside. Reserve some of the chard for serving later; this will help maintain a vibrant green color for presentation.
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Prepare the Squid: While the chard is cooking, clean the squid. Gently detach the head from the body, carefully pulling out the internal organs. Locate and remove the transparent cartilage (the “pen”) from the body. Rinse the squid thoroughly under cold water to ensure it is clean.
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Stuff the Squid: Once the squid is cleaned, fill each squid with the sautéed Swiss chard, raisins, and almond mixture. Be sure to leave enough room for the filling to expand slightly as the squid cooks.
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Cook the Stuffed Squid: Heat a large skillet with the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the stuffed squid to the pan, arranging them in a single layer. Pour the remaining Swiss chard mixture into the pan along with 250g of water. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the squid are tender and cooked through.
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Serve: On serving plates, place the reserved Swiss chard as a base. Arrange the stuffed squid on top, and serve hot. The sweet, nutty filling paired with the tender squid makes for a perfect combination.
This dish is not only full of vibrant colors but also packed with flavors that come together beautifully. The raisins offer a subtle sweetness that contrasts nicely with the richness of the squid and the crunch of the almonds. The soy sauce adds a savory touch to the whole dish, making every bite truly delightful. Whether you are looking to impress guests or enjoy a special homemade dinner, stuffed squid with Swiss chard, raisins, and almonds is sure to be a hit!
