Calamari alle olive

Squid with olives is a simple and very tasty dish that brings together the taste of the sea with that of the land. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

• 500 g of cleaned squid cut into rings or pieces
• 150 g of pitted green olives
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 bunch of chopped parsley
• 200 g of tomato sauce or peeled tomatoes
• 1 glass of dry white wine
• Extra virgin olive oil (enough for sautéing)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Start by sautéing the garlic clove in a large pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Once browned, remove the garlic to avoid an overly strong flavor.

2. Add the squid to the pan and let them sauté over high heat for a few minutes, just until they lightly brown.

3. Deglaze with the glass of white wine and let the alcohol evaporate over medium heat.

4. Add the tomato sauce or the previously crushed peeled tomatoes, the pitted olives, and half of the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Cover the pan and let it cook over medium-low heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until the squid is tender.

6. Check occasionally and, if necessary, add a bit of water to prevent the sauce from drying out too much.

7. Once the squid is cooked and the sauce has reduced and is flavorful, turn off the heat and sprinkle with the remaining chopped parsley.

Serve the squid hot, perhaps with a slice of crispy bread or a serving of white rice to soak up the sauce well.

Curiosity

Squid is very versatile and lends itself to numerous preparations. In this dish, the addition of olives brings a touch of savoriness and a distinctive Mediterranean flavor. Remember that the cooking time for squid is crucial; too little and they will be tough, too much and they will become rubbery. However, fear not: by following this recipe, you’ll have tender and delicious squid.