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Stuffed Squid with Swiss Chard, Raisins, and Almonds

17/11/2023

Stuffed squid with Swiss chard, raisins, and almonds is a refined and tasty dish that combines the flavor of the sea with sweet and earthy ingredients for an excellent result. Here’s how you could proceed.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium-sized squid, cleaned
  • 200 g of Swiss chard
  • 50 g of raisins
  • 50 g of toasted and chopped almonds
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • White wine, a splash
  • Bread crumbs, if necessary to thicken the filling
  • Chopped parsley, to garnish

Preparation

  1. Start by cleaning the squid if not already done: remove the head, innards, internal cartilage, and the outer skin. Rinse well under running water and let it dry.

  2. To prepare the filling, soak the raisins in warm water or white wine for 10-15 minutes, then drain them.

  3. Meanwhile, wash the Swiss chard and boil it in slightly salted water for a few minutes. Drain well and roughly chop it.

  4. In a pan, lightly fry the garlic clove in a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. When it is golden, remove it and add the chopped Swiss chard, letting it flavor and dry for a few minutes.

  5. In a bowl, combine the Swiss chard with the squeezed raisins and chopped almonds. Mix well and, if needed, add some bread crumbs to make the filling more compact. Season with salt and pepper.

  6. Fill the squid with the mixture, without overstuffing to avoid them opening during cooking. You can close the opening with a toothpick.

  7. In the same pan in which you sautéed the Swiss chard, arrange the stuffed squid and brown for a few minutes, turning them gently. Add a splash of white wine and let it evaporate.

  8. Cook over low heat with the lid on for about 20-30 minutes. The squid will be ready when they are tender to the touch.

  9. Plate the squid and, if you like, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve accompanied by a fresh salad or the side dish of your preference.

Curiosity

Squid have a long tradition in Mediterranean cuisine. They are versatile and can be cooked in many ways: fried, stewed, grilled, and, of course, stuffed as in this recipe. Swiss chard is often used in Italian cooking as a filling or side dish, thanks to its delicate yet distinct flavor, which pairs well with various ingredients.

Enjoy your meal and have fun preparing this dish full of contrasts and flavors.

Stuffed Squid with Swiss Chard, Raisins, and Almonds