Shrimp Stuffed Squid

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This Shrimp Stuffed Squid recipe combines the delicate flavors of shrimp and squid, enhanced by a tangy homemade tomato sauce. The dish can be served as a main course or sliced into smaller pieces for a delightful appetizer. The stuffed squid is cooked to perfection and topped with a flavorful tomato sauce, making it an elegant addition to any meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • For the squid and stuffing:
    • 12 medium-sized cleaned squid (bodies and tentacles)
    • 10 oz wild Gulf shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails off)
    • 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
    • 2 teaspoons finely chopped onion
    • 1/4 cup panko crumbs or dried bread crumbs
    • 1 small egg
    • Drake’s Batter Mix or seasoned flour (for dusting)
    • Olive oil (for frying)
    • 1/2 bunch finely chopped Italian parsley
    • Toothpicks (for securing the squid)
  • For the tomato sauce:
    • 2 cans (28 oz) Italian plum tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
    • 2 tablespoons imported Italian plum tomato paste
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • 1 small onion (chopped)
    • 4 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • Pinch of red pepper flakes
    • Splash of white wine
    • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Sauce:
    • Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
    • Once the oil is hot, add chopped onion and garlic. Stir until they start to brown.
    • Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
    • Stir occasionally, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add a splash of white wine to the sauce during simmering.
  2. Make the Stuffing:
    • In a food processor, purée the shrimp and transfer to a mixing bowl.
    • Stir in chopped onion, garlic, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly using a rubber spatula.
    • Stuff each squid with the shrimp mixture using a small spoon. Ensure the stuffing reaches the tail end, leaving about an inch unstuffed.
    • Secure the openings of each squid with a toothpick.
  3. Cook the Stuffed Squid:
    • Dust the stuffed squid with Drake’s Batter Mix or seasoned flour.
    • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and brown the squid (about 2-3 minutes on each side).
    • Carefully transfer the browned squid to the simmering tomato sauce and cover the pan. Let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. Occasionally check the sauce and add more wine if it gets too thick.
  4. Fry the Tentacles (Optional):
    • If you want to fry the squid tentacles for garnish, dip them in half-and-half or milk, then coat in Drake’s Batter Mix.
    • Heat enough oil in a small pan to cover the tentacles and fry over medium-high heat until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes).
    • Drain the fried tentacles on a paper towel.
  5. Serve:
    • Arrange the stuffed squid over the tomato sauce on a platter.
    • Garnish with fried tentacles and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
    • If serving as appetizers, slice the squid and serve with cocktail forks or toothpicks.

Nutrients (Estimated)

  • Calories: Approximately 250-300 kcal per serving
  • Protein: 25-30g (from shrimp and squid)
  • Fat: 15-18g (mainly from olive oil and batter)
  • Carbohydrates: 15-20g (from panko and breadcrumbs)
  • Sodium: 600-800mg (from the sauce and seasoning)

This recipe provides a well-balanced meal with a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and carbs. The tomato sauce adds richness, making it a satisfying dish!

The Origins of Stuffed Squid

Stuffed squid, or calamari ripieni, has a long-standing tradition in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in Italy, Greece, and Spain. It is a dish commonly prepared for festive occasions or Sunday family meals. The recipe varies slightly depending on the region, but it often includes squid stuffed with a mixture of seafood, breadcrumbs, and herbs, which are then cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce.

In Italian cuisine, particularly in regions like Sicily and Campania, squid is a versatile ingredient that is used in numerous dishes. From grilled calamari to seafood risottos, squid is prized for its delicate texture and ability to absorb flavors. Stuffing squid with shrimp and breadcrumbs is a variation that reflects the bounty of the sea, combining two of the ocean’s most popular ingredients in one satisfying dish.

The use of a tomato sauce to accompany stuffed squid is a nod to the traditional Italian love for tomatoes. The sauce serves as a perfect contrast to the richness of the squid and shrimp stuffing, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The addition of fresh basil, garlic, and oregano in the sauce elevates the dish to new heights, making it a delightful experience for the taste buds.

The Essential Ingredients for Stuffed Squid with Shrimp and Tomato Sauce

The ingredients for this dish can be broken down into two main components: the squid and shrimp stuffing, and the rich tomato sauce. Both elements are crucial to achieving the desired flavor profile and texture, so it’s important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients.

  • Squid: Fresh squid is the star of the dish. Medium-sized squid, which is tender yet firm, is ideal for stuffing. The squid should be cleaned properly, with the bodies and tentacles separated for stuffing. While cleaning squid may seem daunting at first, it becomes second nature with a little practice.
  • Wild Gulf Shrimp: Wild-caught Gulf shrimp are perfect for this recipe. They have a sweet, delicate flavor that complements the squid perfectly. They are also prized for their firm texture, which holds up well when stuffed.
  • Panko Crumbs and Egg: The panko breadcrumbs, or dried bread crumbs, provide a light and crispy texture to the stuffing. Combined with the egg, these ingredients help bind the shrimp and other stuffing components together.
  • Garlic, Onion, and Fresh Parsley: These aromatics bring depth and flavor to the stuffing, ensuring that the dish is well-seasoned without overpowering the delicate flavors of the seafood.
  • Tomato Sauce: The tomato sauce is made from high-quality Italian plum tomatoes, such as San Marzano, which are known for their sweet and balanced flavor. The sauce is enhanced with garlic, onion, basil, oregano, and a splash of white wine, creating a rich and savory base to complement the stuffed squid.

How to Prepare Stuffed Squid with Shrimp and Tomato Sauce

While the dish may seem complex at first glance, it can be broken down into manageable steps. The key is to ensure that the squid is cleaned and stuffed properly, and that the tomato sauce is simmered to perfection.

  1. Clean the Squid: Begin by cleaning the squid. Remove the ink sac, cartilage, and skin, and separate the tentacles. The squid bodies should be left intact for stuffing. After cleaning, be sure to pat the squid dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture, which could make the stuffing soggy.
  2. Prepare the Shrimp Stuffing: In a food processor, purée the shrimp to create a smooth mixture. This forms the base of the stuffing. Add finely chopped garlic, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, and parsley to the shrimp mixture. The breadcrumbs help give the stuffing a slightly crunchy texture, while the egg ensures it holds together.
  3. Stuff the Squid: Using a small spoon, carefully stuff each squid with the shrimp mixture. Be sure not to overstuff, as the stuffing will expand during cooking. Leave a small portion of the squid open at the top, which will allow for secure closure with a toothpick.
  4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: While the squid is being stuffed, you can begin preparing the tomato sauce. Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil until fragrant and golden. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, and a splash of white wine. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  5. Cook the Stuffed Squid: Heat olive oil in a pan and gently fry the stuffed squid until golden brown on all sides. This step helps to create a crispy exterior before simmering the squid in the tomato sauce. Once fried, transfer the squid to the tomato sauce, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and the squid to become tender.

The Nutritional Benefits of Seafood in Your Diet

Seafood is a great addition to any healthy diet, and this dish is no exception. Shrimp and squid are both low in fat and high in protein, making them excellent choices for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet. Additionally, seafood is rich in essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart-healthy benefits.

  • Protein: Both shrimp and squid are excellent sources of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These healthy fats, found in abundance in seafood, are known to reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and support brain health.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Seafood is packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, iodine, selenium, and zinc. These nutrients are important for thyroid function, immune health, and energy production.

Conclusion

Stuffed squid with shrimp and tomato sauce is a dish that brings together the best of both worlds: the sweet, delicate flavor of shrimp and the tender, savory taste of squid, all enveloped in a rich and aromatic tomato sauce. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply looking to indulge in a flavorful seafood dish, this recipe is sure to impress.

The combination of fresh seafood, crispy breadcrumbs, and a homemade tomato sauce offers a satisfying and balanced meal that is as nourishing as it is delicious. By following the simple steps and using high-quality ingredients, you can recreate this Mediterranean-inspired dish at home and savor the flavors of the sea.

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