Sauteed Calamari With Tomatoes Basil Raisins And Pine Nuts Recipes

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.

SAUTEED CALAMARI WITH TOMATOES, BASIL, RAISINS, AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Thinly slice 3 cloves garlic. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes; cook until garlic has browned. Stir in tomatoes; transfer to oven and roast until dried and thickened, about 20 minutes.
• Add reserved tomato juice to cooked tomato mixture and stir to reconstitute sauce. Add capers, basil, pine nuts, and raisins; stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper; place over low heat to keep warm.
• Heat a large skillet and add 3 tablespoons olive oil; heat until smoking. Add squid, cook, stirring constantly, until squid rings begin to open up and become firm, about 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper. Add tomato sauce to skillet, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until squid is opaque and sauce is hot, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Preheat a grill pan. Drizzle bread with 3 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until toasted on both sides. Rub cut sides of toasted bread with remaining clove of garlic.
• Divide calamari evenly among 4 shallow bowls. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon zest and parsley. Serve immediately with toasted bread.