Stuffed calamari

Stuffed calamari is a delightful and impressive dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course. Here's a classic recipe that you can follow:

Ingredients:

For the Stuffing:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian or panko)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped (optional, but adds a nice flavor)
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Calamari:

• 8-10 calamari tubes (cleaned, with tentacles separated)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Stuffing:

   • In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, and chopped shrimp (if using).
   • Add the beaten egg and mix until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Stuff the Calamari:

   • Use a small spoon or a piping bag to stuff the calamari tubes with the breadcrumb mixture. Be careful not to overfill them, as the stuffing will expand slightly while cooking.
   • Secure the open ends of the calamari tubes with toothpicks to keep the stuffing inside.

3. Cook the Calamari:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the stuffed calamari and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as calamari can become tough if cooked too long.

4. Add Marinara Sauce:

   • Once the calamari are cooked, pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, gently stirring to coat the calamari. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. Serve:

   • Transfer the stuffed calamari to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot.

Tips:

• Make sure the calamari are cleaned thoroughly before stuffing. If they’re frozen, defrost them in the refrigerator overnight.
• You can add other ingredients to the stuffing, like finely chopped mushrooms, or a bit of chopped cooked bacon for extra flavor.

Enjoy your stuffed calamari! It's a dish that’s sure to impress and delight.