Stuffed Squid with Rice and Vegetables in Tomato Sauce Recipe

If you have ever wanted to impress your friends with a dish that feels like a heartfelt Mediterranean hug, this Stuffed Squid with Rice and Vegetables in Tomato Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender squid tubes filled with a colorful, flavorful mixture of rice, garden-fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, all gently simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this recipe celebrates simple ingredients transformed into an unforgettable, home-cooked delight. It’s a labor of love that rewards your patience with every mouthwatering bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together this Stuffed Squid with Rice and Vegetables in Tomato Sauce Recipe is surprisingly straightforward once you gather these essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, whether adding texture, color, or deep, savory flavor.

• 600 grams Squid: Fresh squid bodies and legs serve as the perfect vessel and flavor base for the stuffing.
• Olive oil: Brings a rich, fruity quality and is essential for sautéing your vegetables and squid filling.
• Toothpicks: Needed to secure the squid openings once stuffed, keeping everything intact during cooking.
• ½ medium red onion (minced): Adds sweetness and depth to both stuffing and sauce.
• ½ small green onion (finely chopped): Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor with a pop of green color.
• ½ long sweet green pepper (finely chopped): Brings crispness and subtleness that balances the richness of the squid.
• 2 large garlic cloves (minced): Injects aromatic warmth to the filling and the sauce.
• ½ small zucchini (grated, not too fine): Adds moisture and a tender bite without overpowering the rice.
• ½ small carrot (grated, not too fine): Offers a hint of sweetness and vibrant orange color.
• ½ small stick of celery (finely chopped): Contributes aromatics and crunch for texture contrast.
• ⅓ cup round short-grain white rice: The heart of the stuffing, giving body and substance.
• ½ large tomato (finely diced): Adds juiciness and bright acidity to the stuffing.
• 1 cup tomato passata: Creates the luscious, velvety tomato sauce enveloping the squid.
• 1 teaspoon sweet red pepper: Provides subtle spice and richness to the sauce.
• 1 dried bay leaf: Infuses gentle herbal notes that marry the flavors beautifully.
• Salt and pepper: Enhances all ingredients without overpowering them.

How to Make Stuffed Squid with Rice and Vegetables in Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Squid

First things first, tackle the squid prep with care. Separate the head from the body by cutting at the base of the legs, discarding the head but keeping those legs for the flavor-packed stuffing. Thoroughly clean the squid tubes by removing all the insides and rinsing well, peeling off any outer skin to ensure tenderness. Place the cleaned tubes in a strainer ready for stuffing.

Step 2: Make the Stuffing

Heat a splash of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat and start by sautéing the chopped squid legs. When they’re slightly cooked, add both the red and green onions, plus the chopped sweet green pepper and garlic. Let these ingredients soften, releasing their fragrant scents. Next, toss in the grated zucchini, carrot, and celery, cooking gently until tender. Stir in the rice along with the diced tomato and a cup of water, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer on low heat until the rice absorbs the liquid and all flavors meld together. Once done, remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly, ensuring a manageable temperature to stuff the squid safely and evenly.

Step 3: Stuff and Secure the Squid

With a spoon, carefully fill each squid tube with the prepared stuffing. Remember to leave about 2 centimeters at the top so the stuffing doesn’t overflow while cooking. You want the squid nicely filled but not bursting at the seams. Once each tube is stuffed, close the opening using one or two toothpicks to keep everything securely inside. If you have leftover stuffing, set it aside to serve alongside the squid for an extra flavorful accompaniment.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce and Cook the Squid

Heat another splash of olive oil in a medium pot over high heat. Add the minced red onion and reduce heat to medium-low, allowing it to soften without browning. Then, add the stuffed squid and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally to lightly brown the tubes. Pour in the tomato passata, add 2 cups of water, sprinkle in the sweet red pepper, drop in the bay leaf, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cover and let everything simmer over medium to medium-low heat for 50 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the squid becomes tender and flavorful.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the pot from heat but leave the squid to soak in the sauce for at least 20 minutes. This resting period lets the flavors settle and intensify. When ready to eat, slice the squid tubes into thick rounds to reveal the vibrant stuffing inside, and spoon over some of that luscious tomato sauce. If you like a touch of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add hot red pepper on top for a piquant finish.

How to Serve Stuffed Squid with Rice and Vegetables in Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few torn basil leaves adds a delightful burst of freshness and color that perfectly contrasts the comforting tomato sauce. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving enhances the richness and gives an inviting glossy finish.

Side Dishes

This dish shines with simple sides like crusty bread to soak up the sauce, a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or even a creamy mashed potato for a hearty touch. Leftover rice stuffing makes an excellent side if you prefer to keep things cohesive.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the squid slices layered on a bed of vibrant roasted bell peppers or nestled on a colorful ratatouille. You could also use hollowed-out roasted tomatoes or bell peppers as natural serving bowls, adding drama and extra vegetable servings to your meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stuffed squid keeps well refrigerated for up to two days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

While fresh is always best, you can freeze cooked stuffed squid in tomato sauce for up to two months. Make sure it’s cooled completely before placing it into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the squid and sauce slowly on the stovetop over low heat to avoid toughening the squid. Stir occasionally, adding a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick. Microwaving is possible but less recommended as it can dry out the squid.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffing in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rice and vegetable stuffing a day ahead and refrigerate it. This makes the stuffing step quicker and helps the flavors meld further.

What type of rice works best in this recipe?

Short-grain white rice is ideal here because it becomes tender and sticky enough to hold the stuffing together without becoming mushy.

How do I know when the squid is cooked properly?

The squid should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite after simmering for 50 to 60 minutes. Overcooking can make it tough and rubbery, so watch the timing carefully.

Can I use frozen squid for this recipe?

Yes, frozen squid can be used, but make sure to thaw it fully and pat it dry before cleaning and stuffing to avoid excess moisture.

Is this recipe spicy? How can I adjust the heat?

The recipe is mild with a sweet red pepper touch, but you can add chili flakes or fresh hot peppers during cooking or at serving time to increase the heat as you like.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Squid with Rice and Vegetables in Tomato Sauce Recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a joyful experience filled with colors, textures, and heartwarming flavors that everyone will appreciate. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something comforting and impressive, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try. Once you do, it might just become one of your go-to dishes to share and savor again and again.

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