Teresa's Recipes
Calamari Ripieni
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.
Ingredients
- 4 large, cleaned Calamari tubes
- chopped, from the cleaned squid Calamari tentacles
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 cup Marinara sauce
Dietary Notes
- 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
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!
Tips
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Feel free to substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free options for a gluten-free version.
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also be added to the stuffing for an extra layer of flavor.