Squid Stuffed with Spinach and Ricotta

ItalianSeafoodAdvanced45 minBy Northstar

Ingredients

Servings
4
  • 12 squid cleaned squid bodies (about 6 inches each), tentacles reserved
  • 0.5 lb ricotta cheese
  • 2 lb fresh spinach, lightly steamed, liquid squeezed out
  • 0.3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.3 tsp grated nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely minced
  • 1 large egg, slightly beaten
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1 0.5 lb plum tomatoes, pureed in blender
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 0.5 tsp fresh or dried rosemary
  • 1 0.5 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp pine nuts or sunflower seeds

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix together the ricotta, steamed spinach, Parmesan, pepper, nutmeg, parsley, and egg. Set aside as stuffing.

  2. 2

    Heat olive oil at medium in a large saucepan. Add garlic and cook a few seconds. Add tomato purée. Bring to a boil and add tomato paste. Lower heat, add rosemary, and simmer sauce for 25 minutes.

  3. 3

    Stuff each squid body only about 1/3 full of the spinach-ricotta mixture. Do not overstuff or they will explode. Fasten each opening with a toothpick.

  4. 4

    Place stuffed squid and reserved tentacles in the simmering tomato sauce. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn carefully and simmer for an additional 3 minutes.

  5. 5

    Melt butter in a clean pan and toss pine nuts until golden, watching carefully to prevent burning.

  6. 6

    Lift stuffed squid onto a warm serving dish. Spoon sauce around and garnish with toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately.