Calamari Marinara Recipe - Tender Calamari in Tomato Sauce

Introduction

Today, we're diving into a delightful seafood dish, Calamari Marinara, a recipe that promises to turn the often intimidating calamari into a tender, delicious meal. This recipe offers a solution to the common concern of overcooking calamari and ending up with a rubbery texture. By employing a unique approach of really overcooking the calamari, we achieve tender and flavorful results, especially when served with pasta. Let's get started on this seafood adventure that's perfect for any dinner occasion.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• 1 sliced onion
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 anchovy fillet
• Red chili flake (to taste)
• 1 sliced hot green chili (e.g., serrano)
• Salt (to taste)
• White wine (drinkable quality)
• Clam juice
• Crushed tomatoes
• Dry oregano (or other seafood-friendly herb)
• 2 pounds of calamari (tubes and tentacles), cleaned and sliced
• Freshly chopped Italian parsley
• Optional: Squid ink pasta for serving
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for garnishing

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Base: In a cold saucepot, combine olive oil, sliced onion, minced garlic, anchovy fillet, red chili flake, sliced hot green chili, and a pinch of salt. Place the pot over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions and garlic start to turn golden.

2. Add Liquids: Stir in white wine, let it reduce by half, then add clam juice and crushed tomatoes. Sprinkle in dry oregano, bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes.

3. Prepare the Calamari: While the sauce simmers, slice the calamari tubes into half-inch pieces and prepare the tentacles. If necessary, cut large tentacles in half or leave smaller ones whole for consistency.

4. Cook the Calamari: Carefully add the sliced calamari to the sauce. The key decision is to cook the calamari for about 35 to 45 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This method ensures tender calamari without the risk of it turning rubbery.

5. Season and Finish: Once the calamari is tender, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Turn off the heat and stir in freshly chopped Italian parsley.

6. Serve: This Calamari Marinara sauce can beautifully dress squid ink spaghetti or any pasta of your choice. Mix the slightly undercooked pasta with some hot sauce, let it sit for a minute to soak up the flavors, and serve with additional sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley.

Conclusion

Calamari Marinara is an exquisite dish that brings out the best in calamari, transforming it into a tender, flavorful component of a classic Italian-inspired meal. This recipe not only demystifies cooking with squid but also provides a delicious way to enjoy it, whether served over pasta or as a stew with potatoes and vegetables. The unique cooking method ensures that the calamari remains succulent, making this dish a must-try for seafood lovers and those new to cooking with calamari alike. Enjoy the rich flavors and delightful textures of this Calamari Marinara, a dish that's sure to impress at any dinner table.