Best Sauteed Calamari With Tomatoes Basil Raisins And Pine Nuts Recipes

SPICY CALAMARI WITH TOMATO, CAPERBERRIES AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Bring a small pot of water to a boil and add couscous. Cook for 1 minute, then drain.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add shallots and rosemary and sauté for about 2 minutes, until shallots are golden. Add garlic, pine nuts, red pepper flakes and salt and sauté for 2 minutes.
• Add tomatoes and bring to a fast simmer. Cook for 6 minutes. Add squid and caperberries and cook for about 2 minutes, until squid is just opaque. Stir in the spinach and couscous (spinach will wilt). Season with more salt and serve garnished with scallion.

BAKED STUFFED SQUID: CALAMARI RIPIENI AL FORNO

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.

SPICY TWO MINUTE CALAMARI

Steps:

• You can prepare this in advance and set it aside or prepare it while the tomato sauce is cooking. In a skillet melt butter and saute finely diced shallot until soft and no longer translucent. Add breadcrumbs and toast until nutty and slightly brown. Stir in fresh herbs and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and saute sliced shallot for 3 minutes until fragrant and no longer translucent. Add white wine, stir and cook for additional 2 minutes.
• Add tomatoes, capers, peppers, and a pinch of crushed red pepper to the pan and cook together for 12-15 minutes stirring frequently. Add a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste sauce for seasoning, and adjust as needed.
• Prepare calamari, pat dry and slice into rounds. Add to pan and cook for 2 minutes. Do not overcook or the calamari will turn rubbery.
• Top calamari with breadcrumbs and serve immediately.