Polenta with Baby Cuttlefish

Polenta with baby cuttlefish is a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for colder days. The softness of the polenta pairs perfectly with the sea flavor of the baby cuttlefish. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 250 g of polenta flour
  • 1 liter of water
  • Salt to taste
  • 500 g of cleaned baby cuttlefish
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Chopped parsley to taste
  • 250 ml of tomato puree
  • 100 ml of white wine
  • Extra virgin olive oil to taste
  • Chili pepper (optional)

Preparation

  1. Begin with the preparation of the polenta. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot and salt it. Gradually sprinkle in the polenta flour, stirring constantly with a whisk to avoid the formation of lumps. Lower the heat and continue stirring with a wooden spoon until the polenta comes away from the sides of the pot. This should take about 40-50 minutes. Once ready, keep the polenta warm.

  2. In the meantime, prepare the baby cuttlefish. In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil and sauté the garlic cloves until they are golden. If you like a spicy touch, also add the chili pepper.

  3. Add the baby cuttlefish to the pan and let them sauté for a few minutes. Deglaze with the white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.

  4. Pour in the tomato puree, adjust the salt, and cook over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, until the baby cuttlefish are soft and the sauce has thickened.

  5. When the baby cuttlefish are cooked, add the chopped parsley and mix well.

  6. Serve the hot polenta with the baby cuttlefish and their sauce on top.

Curiosity

Polenta is a very ancient dish, originating from the times when maize was introduced to Europe from America. Initially, it was food for the less affluent classes, but today it is highly valued and revisited in many dishes of Italian cuisine. Baby cuttlefish, small cephalopods, are widely used in Mediterranean cooking and lend themselves to different preparations, both stewed and grilled.

I hope you can enjoy this dish that combines the flavors of the land with those of the sea in a truly traditional and tasty pairing. Enjoy your meal!

Polenta with Baby Cuttlefish