ITALIAN STUFFED CALAMARI

Nonna’s Stuffed Calamari is a true Italian classic, bringing the flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table.

Tender squid is filled with a delicious mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and calamari tentacles, then slowly stewed in a rich tomato sauce. The result? A mouthwatering dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

This traditional recipe is a staple in many Italian coastal towns, where fresh seafood is celebrated in every meal.

Whether served as a main course or alongside a side of creamy mashed potatoes or rustic bread for the perfect scarpetta, this dish is packed with flavor, history, and Nonna’s love.

With simple ingredients and a cooking method that ensures the calamari stays soft and juicy, this Nonna-approved recipe is perfect for seafood lovers and anyone who enjoys authentic Italian home cooking.

Why Nonna Loves This Recipe ❤️

• It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that brings out the best in fresh calamari. 🦑
• The slow stewing ensures the squid stays tender and never rubbery.
• It pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes or crusty bread for scarpetta! 🍞
• A perfect balance of seafood, fresh herbs, and a light tomato-based sauce.

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 Minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 Minutes
• Total Time: 45 Minutes
• Servings: 2-4 Persons
• Difficulty: Low
• Cost: Expensive
• Cooking Method: Stove
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients 🛒

• 4 small calamari (about 1 lb / 500 g), cleaned
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tbsp tomato puree
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 handful stale bread crumbs (about ⅓ cup), soaked in ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp dry breadcrumbs
• Optional: ¼ cup dry white wine for deglazing

How to Make Stewed Stuffed Calamari

1️⃣ Prepare the Calamari: If not already cleaned, remove the head, beak, inner bone, and skin. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Set aside the cleaned sacs.

2️⃣ Make the Filling: Finely chop the tentacles with parsley and 1 garlic clove. Soak the stale bread in milk, squeeze out excess, and add to the mixture along with salt, pepper, and dry breadcrumbs. Mix well.

3️⃣ Stuff the Calamari: Gently fill each squid pouch with the stuffing, being careful not to overfill. Secure the opening with a toothpick.

4️⃣ Sauté & Brown: Heat olive oil in a pan, add a whole crushed garlic clove, and sauté. Remove the garlic once golden. Sear the stuffed squid on all sides. (Optional: Deglaze with white wine and let it evaporate.)

5️⃣ Simmer in Sauce: Add tomato puree and a little water. Season with salt and pepper. Cover halfway and cook on low heat for 15 minutes.

6️⃣ Final Touch: Stir in 2 tbsp of milk for creaminess, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Tips & Tricks

✔ Use fresh squid for the best flavor and texture.
✔ Don’t overfill the calamari to prevent bursting.
✔ Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or toasted bread.

NONNA'S STUFFED CALAMARI

This traditional recipe is a staple in many Italian coastal towns, where fresh seafood is celebrated in every meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course Fish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Notes

Ingredients 🛒

• 4 small calamari (about 1 lb / 500 g), cleaned
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tbsp tomato puree
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 handful stale bread crumbs (about ⅓ cup), soaked in ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp dry breadcrumbs
• Optional: ¼ cup dry white wine for deglazing

How to Make Stewed Stuffed Calamari

1️⃣ Prepare the Calamari: If not already cleaned, remove the head, beak, inner bone, and skin. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Set aside the cleaned sacs.

2️⃣ Make the Filling: Finely chop the tentacles with parsley and 1 garlic clove. Soak the stale bread in milk, squeeze out excess, and add to the mixture along with salt, pepper, and dry breadcrumbs. Mix well.

3️⃣ Stuff the Calamari: Gently fill each squid pouch with the stuffing, being careful not to overfill. Secure the opening with a toothpick.

4️⃣ Sauté & Brown: Heat olive oil in a pan, add a whole crushed garlic clove, and sauté. Remove the garlic once golden. Sear the stuffed squid on all sides. (Optional: Deglaze with white wine and let it evaporate.)

5️⃣ Simmer in Sauce: Add tomato puree and a little water. Season with salt and pepper. Cover halfway and cook on low heat for 15 minutes.

6️⃣ Final Touch: Stir in 2 tbsp of milk for creaminess, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Keyword calamari, stuffed calamari, italian stuffed calamari

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