Calamari farciti positano (stuffed squid)

1 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2tablespoonsOlive oil
3eachesSl Pancetta; coarsely chopped (Italian bacon)
1tablespoonOnions; chopped
½teaspoonGarlic
cupBell peppers; chopped
¼teaspoonRed pepper; crushed
10largesMushrooms; coarsely chopped
4eachesParsley spring; chopped
2eachesCelery stalk, leaves only chopped
16eachesCalamari (bodies about 3\" long)
¼cupWhite wine, dry
1cupRice, cooked
½teaspoonSalt
1pinchWhite pepper
¼cupBread crumbs
¼cupParmesan; grated
1eachEgg
MMMMM++++++++++++++++++++++- SAUCE++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++-
¼cupOlive oil
½teaspoonGarlic, chopped
1pinchRed pepper; crushed
1cupItalian plum tomatoes; chopped (reserve juice)
1cupJuice from tomatoes
1cupFish stock
3eachesBasil, fresh; chopped
3eachesParsley sprig, fresh
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

Clean and skin the calamari. In a skillet, heat the olive oil and pancetta over medium heat. Saut‚ the onions, garlic, red and green bell peppers, and crushed red pepper until onions are lightly browned. (Pancetta is Italian bacon, and can be obtained at any good Italian supermarket). Stir in the mushrooms and cook until mushrooms become moist. Add parsely, celery leaves and chopped squid tentacles and cook for a minute while stirring lightly. Add wine and bring to a boil. Stir in the rice thoroughly. Remove from heat and allow to cool. When mixture is lukewarm, stir in bread crumbs, cheese, and egg, plus salt and pepper to taste. Load the mixture into a pastry bag with a large tip. Squeeze the stuffing into the bodies of the calamari. After stuffing all the calamari, fold the open ends shut and secure with toothpicks. PREHEAT OVEN TO 400 DEGREES F. To make the sauce, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute the garlic and crushed red pepper for 30 seconds, then add tomatoes, juice, and fish stock. Bring to a boil and reduce by about one-third.

Add basil and salt and pepper to taste. Put the stuffed calamari into the sauce. Return the sauce to a boil, then put the skillet into a 400-degree oven for 10 minutes. Remove the calamari from the sauce and keep warm. Put the sauce over a medium heat and reduce for 10 minutes, until appropriately thick. Add chopped parsley and stuffed calamari. Heat through, and serve with lots of sauce. Suggested wine: Lacrima Christi Rosato

Submitted By SAM WARING On 10-08-94