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Calamari Ripieni

Name: Calamari Ripieni
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: {'ingredient': 'Calamari tubes', 'amount': '4 large, cleaned'}; {'ingredient': 'Calamari tentacles', 'amount': 'chopped, from the cleaned squid'}; {'ingredient': 'Breadcrumbs', 'amount': '1 cup'}; {'ingredient': 'Parmesan cheese', 'amount': '1/2 cup, grated'}; {'ingredient': 'Garlic', 'amount': '3 cloves, minced'}; {'ingredient': 'Fresh parsley', 'amount': '1/4 cup, chopped'}; {'ingredient': 'Lemon zest', 'amount': '1 teaspoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Salt', 'amount': 'to taste'}; {'ingredient': 'Black pepper', 'amount': 'to taste'}; {'ingredient': 'Olive oil', 'amount': '2 tablespoons'}; {'ingredient': 'Marinara sauce', 'amount': '1 cup'}

Calamari Ripieni is a delightful Italian classic that showcases tender calamari stuffed with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, aromatic herbs, and rich Parmesan cheese. This dish is a true representation of coastal Italian cuisine, where fresh seafood is celebrated. The crispy exterior contrasts with the succulent filling, making it an irresistible appetizer or main course. Pair it with a rich marinara sauce for dipping, and let each bite transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Italy.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Calamari tubes: 4 large, cleaned
Calamari tentacles: chopped, from the cleaned squid
Breadcrumbs: 1 cup
Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon
Salt: to taste
Black pepper: to taste
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Marinara sauce: 1 cup

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Clean the squid tubes by removing the tentacles and rinsing them thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Stuff each squid tube with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in, but leave some space at the top for expansion during cooking.
Secure the top of each stuffed squid tube with a toothpick to prevent the stuffing from spilling out during cooking.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the stuffed squid tubes and sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned.
Transfer the squid tubes to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the calamari is cooked through and tender.
While the calamari is baking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
Serve the Calamari Ripieni hot, drizzled with extra olive oil if desired, alongside the marinara sauce for dipping.
Enjoy this flavorful dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce!

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Appetizer/Main Course • Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 25 minutes • Calories: 280 • Fat: 10g • Carbs: 30g • Protein: 18g • Sodium: 600mg • Sugar: 4g