Andalusian-Style Stuffed Squid

The Andalusian-style stuffed squid is a typical dish of Spanish cuisine, but I’ll suggest a version with an Italian twist. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized squid, cleaned
• 150 g of stale bread
• 100 ml of milk
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 egg
• Chopped parsley to taste
• 4 tablespoons of tomato puree
• 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 100 ml of white wine
• (Optional) Chilli pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Start by soaking the stale bread in milk for a few minutes. Squeeze it well and place it in a bowl.
2. To the bowl, add the egg, finely chopped garlic, parsley, grated Parmesan, salt and pepper. Mix well until you get a homogeneous mixture.
3. Stuff the squid with the obtained mixture, without filling them to the brim to prevent them from bursting during cooking. Close them with wooden toothpicks.
4. In a large pan, sauté the finely chopped onion with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (and chilli pepper if you like). When the onion becomes translucent, add the stuffed squid.
5. Brown them on all sides, then deglaze with white wine and let it evaporate.
6. Add the tomato puree, lower the heat, cover with a lid and cook for about 30 minutes, until the squid become tender. If necessary, add a little water during cooking.
7. Serve hot, with their cooking sauce.

Curiosity

In its traditional Andalusian version, the dish often includes the addition of chorizo and other spices that give a very particular and intense flavor. The Italian version I described instead emphasizes the flavor of the sea with the addition of Parmesan cheese that gives a unique touch of savoriness.

These squid can be accompanied by a dish of white rice or by a fresh seasonal salad for a complete and harmonious meal. Enjoy your meal!