Best 2 Braised Calamari Stuffed With Shrimp Spinach And Herbs Recipes

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When it comes to creating a dish that both tantalizes the taste buds and impresses guests, look no further than braised calamari stuffed with shrimp, spinach, and herbs. This gourmet seafood dish is a true culinary journey, a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is sure to leave a lasting impression. The tender calamari, expertly braised to perfection, provides a delicate vessel for the succulent shrimp, spinach, and herbs that burst with freshness and flavor. Each bite is a symphony of taste, a celebration of the sea's bounty. So, prepare to embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the secrets of crafting this exquisite dish, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

BRAISED CALAMARI STUFFED WITH SHRIMP, SPINACH, AND HERBS



Braised Calamari Stuffed with Shrimp, Spinach, and Herbs image

Provided by Anne Burrell

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

11 (5 to 6 inches long) calamari tubes, cleaned, divided
1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, smashed and coarsely chopped
2 cups coarsely chopped baby spinach
2 eggs
1/2 to 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/2 bunch fresh oregano, leaves chopped
2 pinches crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 large or 2 small onions, finely diced
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
2 cloves garlic, smashed and finely chopped
3/4 cup dry white wine
1 (28-ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes

Steps:

  • For the calamari: Roughly chop 3 of the calamari tubes and add to a food processor with the shrimp and garlic. Pulse into a coarse paste. Remove to a large bowl and add the spinach, eggs, breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and crushed red pepper. Season with salt and stir to combine. The mixture should be a little chunky but moist and holding together. Test the seasoning of the mix by making a mini patty, cooking it in a small pan, and eating it. It should taste really good! If it doesn't, it is probably missing salt. Add more salt, as needed. Divide the stuffing among the remaining 8 calamari bodies and secure closed with toothpicks.
  • For the sauce: Coat a large, wide skillet or saucepan with olive oil and add the onions and crushed red pepper. Season with salt and put the skillet over medium heat. Saute the onions until they are soft and aromatic, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, another 2 minutes. Stir in the wine and cook until the wine has reduced by half. Pass the tomatoes through a food mill or puree them in a food processor and add them with 1 cup of water to the skillet. Season with salt, to taste, and simmer the sauce for 15 minutes.
  • Add the calamari to the skillet and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time. Remove the calamari from the skillet and remove the toothpicks. Reduce the sauce to thicken, if needed. Arrange the calamari on a serving platter and cover with the sauce before serving.

BRAISED CALAMARI STUFFED WITH SHRIMP, SPINACH AND HERBS



BRAISED CALAMARI STUFFED WITH SHRIMP, SPINACH AND HERBS image

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 19

For the calamari:
• 11 clean medium calamari tubes, about 5 to 6 inches long
• 1/2 pound peeled, deveined medium shrimp, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed and coarsely chopped
• 2 cups coarsely chopped baby spinach
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 1/2 bunch fresh oregano, leaves chopped
• 2 pinches crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
For the sauce:
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large or 2 small onions, finely diced
• Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed and finely chopped
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 (28-ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes

Steps:

  • Directions To make the calamari: Roughly chop 3 of the calamari tubes and add to a food processor with the coarsely chopped shrimp and garlic. Pulse into a coarse paste. Remove to a large bowl and add the spinach, eggs, bread crumbs, cheese, herbs, and pinch of crushed red pepper. Season with salt and stir to combine. The mixture should be a little chunky but moist and holding together. Test the seasoning of the mix by making a mini patty, cooking it in a small pan and eating it. It should taste really good! If it doesn't it is probably missing salt. Add more salt, to taste. Divide the stuffing among the 8 remaining calamari bodies and secure closed with toothpicks. To make the sauce: Coat a large, wide skillet or saucepan with olive oil and add the onions and a pinch of crushed red pepper. Season with salt and put the saucepan over medium heat. Saute the onions until they are soft and aromatic, about 7 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the wine and cook until the wine has reduced by half. Pass the tomatoes through a food mill or puree them in a food processor and add them and 1 cup of water to the pan. Season with salt, to taste, and simmer the sauce for 15 minutes. Add the calamari to the pan and cook for 20 to 25 minutes turning them over halfway through the cooking time. Remove the calamari from the pan and remove the toothpicks. Reduce the sauce to thicken, if needed. Arrange the calamari on a serving platter and cover with the sauce before serving.

Tips:

  • Mise en place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients and equipment ready. This will help you stay organized and avoid any scrambling.
  • Choose fresh seafood: The fresher the seafood, the better your dish will taste. Look for calamari and shrimp that are firm and have a mild, briny smell.
  • Clean the calamari properly: Make sure to remove the ink sac, beak, and any remaining guts from the calamari before cooking. This will help to ensure that your dish tastes its best.
  • Don't overcook the seafood: Calamari and shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. Otherwise, they will become tough and rubbery.
  • Use a flavorful sauce: The sauce is what will really bring your dish together. Make sure to use a sauce that is flavorful and complements the seafood.

Conclusion:

Braised calamari stuffed with shrimp, spinach, and herbs is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion. With its tender calamari, juicy shrimp, and flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to impress your guests. So next time you're looking for a seafood dish to wow your friends and family, give this recipe a try.

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