Recipe courtesy of Nina Groppo

Baked Stuffed Squid: Calamari Ripieni al Forno

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  • Level: Intermediate
  • Total: 2 hr 20 min
  • Prep: 20 min
  • Cook: 2 hr
  • Yield: 6 to 12 servings

Ingredients

Sauce:

Stuffing:

To assemble:

Directions

  1. 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. 
  2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 
  3. 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.

Cook’s Note

This dish can be served as a meal or as an appetizer. The caciocavallo cheese can be found in Italian specialty stores and the sauce can be prepared ahead of time.