Spicy Stuffed Squid Recipes

NDUJA STUFFED SQUID

Steps:

• For the nduja stuffing: Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. When it begins to smoke lightly, add the garlic and shallots. Cook, stirring continuously, until the shallots and garlic become translucent, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool down.
• Add the nduja, panko, oregano, orange zest and shallot mixture to a medium bowl and combine well. Transfer to a piping bag and tie the piping bag with butcher's twine until tight.
• For the orange vinaigrette: Combine the orange juice, olive oil, sherry vinegar, pepper and salt in a medium bowl. Mix well and refrigerate.
• For the squid: Fill the squid tubes with the nduja mixture, leaving 1/4 inch of space from the top (do not overstuff!).
• Sprinkle the squid with salt and pepper. Heat a large saute pan and add the olive oil. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, remove the pan from the heat and place the squid tubes in the pan. Sear evenly all over, about 4 minutes, then add the tentacles, orange segments, orange zest and coriander seeds and let cook, 1 minute more. Remove the squid from the pan.
• Arrange the squid all facing the same direction in a large serving bowl. Place the tentacles in between each tube. Garnish the squid with the orange segments. Spoon orange vinaigrette over the top and finish with the chopped mint and parsley. Serve immediately.

SQUID STUFFED SQUID

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F.
• Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onions and salt and sweat until the onions turn translucent, about 1 to 2 minutes. Do not brown. Add the garlic and continue to cook for another minute. Transfer the mixture to a medium mixing bowl and set aside to cool.
• Clean the squid thoroughly and remove the heads from the tentacles and discard the heads. Turn the tubes inside out (since the outside skin tends to curl outward, it'll hold the stuffing better inside out), put into a bowl and set in the refrigerator until ready to use. Place the tentacles and the shrimp into the bowl of a food processor and pulse 6 to 8 times or until there are no large pieces visible. Do not process until smooth. Transfer to the mixing bowl along with the onions and garlic. Add the bread crumbs, tomato, lemon zest, ginger, parsley and pepper. Stir to combine well.
• Place the mixture into a resealable freezer bag and snip 1 corner. You may use a pastry bag with a tip just small enough to fit into the end of the tubes. Pipe the stuffing into the tubes, dividing the mixture evenly between them. Do not over-stuff.
• Place the tubes into an 8 by 11-inch glass baking dish and cover with the tomato sauce. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

BAKED STUFFED SQUID: CALAMARI RIPIENI AL FORNO

Steps:

• To make the sauce: Pour the oil into a medium size saucepan, add the onion, a pinch of salt and pepper and saute at medium to medium-high heat until the onion becomes golden and tender and you can see through it. Add the pine nuts, the raisins and the olives, (for a tangy taste, add the capers). Saute for about 3 more minutes). Add the can of tomatoes (add about 1/2 can of water to thin the sauce for cooking) and cook at medium heat for about at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Lastly, add the basil leaves for a more fresh and tasty flavor.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• To make the stuffing: in a medium bowl, beat the eggs and gradually add the bread crumbs, raisins, pine nuts, tentacles and cheese. Mix to a soft consistency. Stuff squid loosely with the mixture and secure opening with a small skewer or toothpick. Place a single layer of squid in a medium baking dish (9 by 13-inches). Top with the sauce. Sprinkle a little grated romano, some dry seasoned bread crumbs, a pinch of salt and pepper over the sauce, then drizzle with some olive oil. Cover pan with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes or until tender.