BAKED STUFFED SQUID: CALAMARI RIPIENI AL FORNO

Baked Stuffed Squid: Calamari Ripieni al Forno image

Provided by Food Network

Time 2h20m

Yield 6 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

1/4 cup olive oil
1 large onion, sliced thinly (preferably sweet white Vidalia onion)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup Italian or kalamata olives (preferably pitted)
1 teaspoon capers, optional
One 24-ounce can peeled crushed/ground tomatoes (recommended: Kitchen Ready)
5 or 6 basil leaves, torn
3 eggs
3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs, plus extra for sprinkling
1 tablespoon raisins, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon pine nuts, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup chopped squid tentacles
1 tablespoon caciocavallo cheese or Pecorino Romano, chopped into small cubes
12 cleaned fresh or frozen medium squid
Grated Romano
Dry seasoned bread crumbs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

To make the sauce: Pour the oil into a medium size saucepan, add the onion, a pinch of salt and pepper and saute at medium to medium-high heat until the onion becomes golden and tender and you can see through it. Add the pine nuts, the raisins and the olives, (for a tangy taste, add the capers). Saute for about 3 more minutes). Add the can of tomatoes (add about 1/2 can of water to thin the sauce for cooking) and cook at medium heat for about at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Lastly, add the basil leaves for a more fresh and tasty flavor.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
To make the stuffing: in a medium bowl, beat the eggs and gradually add the bread crumbs, raisins, pine nuts, tentacles and cheese. Mix to a soft consistency. Stuff squid loosely with the mixture and secure opening with a small skewer or toothpick. Place a single layer of squid in a medium baking dish (9 by 13-inches). Top with the sauce. Sprinkle a little grated romano, some dry seasoned bread crumbs, a pinch of salt and pepper over the sauce, then drizzle with some olive oil. Cover pan with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes or until tender.