Cuttlefish with peas
What happens when home ingredients are combined with freshly caught seafood, and, in the name of tradition, you follow the advice of your grandmother who, as always, is an oracle in matters of cookery in Italy as in the rest of the world? Well you will be in danger of needing to wash more pots and pans, especially when your guests are real gluttons and appreciate a really delicious recipe, where aromas and flavours create wonderful sensations. Well, when you try your hand at making cuttlefish with peas you will certainly need to make large quantities. This dish can simply be enjoyed with bread, or, as happens in some regions in the north of Italy, with some lovely polenta, although the dish can also be eaten as is or, finally, dressed with some fresh tomato sauce. Haven’t you ever tried this sublime combination of cuttlefish and peas? Do so before offering some to your guests!
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
Clean the squid of its skin, entrails, eyes and mouth. Rinse well under running water and leave to absorb the flavours of chopped garlic in a little oil, salt and pepper. Prepare the peas. Chop the onion, and fry gently in a pan. Add the peas and sauté for a few minutes. Add the salt and juice of a lime along with its zest. Add a little water and finish cooking. When the water has evaporated, add the parsley and remove from the heat. For the cuttlefish: heat a pan or hotplate and cook the cuttlefish for 10 minutes on each side on a very high flame. Serve on a bed of peas with three cuttlefish heads on top.
Step by step
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Clean the cuttlefish carefully
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Dress the cuttlefish with a crushed garlic clove, some pepper, some ground sea salt, and extra virgin olive oil
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Chop a bunch of parsley
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Slice the onion
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Coarsely chop the onion
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Fry the onion in a pan with some oil
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Add the peas to the onion in the pan and continue cooking
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Season the peas with salt and pepper
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Add the parsley when the peas are nearly cooked
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Fry the cuttlefish that you have left to marinate for 20 minutes
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Here is this revisitation of an Italian classic
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Additional information
Squid with Peas and Potatoes
A delicious variation of Squid with Peas is the one that includes the addition of potatoes. In this preparation, the potatoes are diced and cooked together with the squid and peas, creating an even more substantial and flavorful dish. The combination of tender squid, sweet peas, and creamy potatoes provides a perfect balance of textures and flavors. To prepare this variation, after cleaning and seasoning the squid, add the diced potatoes to the pan with the onion and peas. Continue cooking until all the vegetables are tender and well combined. This dish is well-suited to be served as a main course during a family lunch or a dinner with friends.
Lazio-Style Squid with Peas
Lazio-Style Squid with Peas represents a traditional preparation of Roman cuisine, where the freshness of the fish perfectly complements the seasonal fresh peas. In this version, you can also enrich the dish with a pinch of chili to add a touch of liveliness. The recipe is simple and quick, preserving the flavors of the sea and the land. The onion sautéed in extra virgin olive oil and the lime juice provide freshness and acidity, enhancing the flavor of the squid. This preparation is ideal for those who wish to enjoy a typical dish of Lazio tradition, perfect to be paired with a good local white wine.
Light Squid with Peas
For those who desire a lighter option, Squid with Peas can be prepared in a light version, reducing the use of oil and opting for steaming. In this preparation, the squid is cooked quickly to maintain its tenderness, while the peas can be sautéed with less onion and without oil, using only lime juice for flavoring. This dish thus becomes lower in calories and more suitable for those following a controlled diet. Despite its lightness, the flavor remains intense and satisfying, making this variant perfect for a summer lunch or a light dinner.
Benefits of Squid and Nutritional Value
Squid is a food rich in protein and low in fat, an ideal choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. It contains essential minerals like iron and calcium, as well as B vitamins, which are useful for energy metabolism. Peas, on the other hand, are a valuable source of fiber, which aids digestion, and antioxidants, which help combat cellular aging. On average, a serving of Squid with Peas provides about 250 calories, making it a nutritious but not overly caloric dish. It is an excellent choice for those who want a healthy and tasty meal.
Can Squid with Peas be frozen?
Yes, it is possible to freeze Squid with Peas, but it is advisable to do so before cooking. If you wish to freeze the already cooked dish, it is better to consume it within one or two days to ensure maximum freshness. When freezing, make sure to use suitable containers or food bags, trying to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. To thaw, it is ideal to do so in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, and then gently reheat in a pan before serving. This way, the flavor and texture of the dish will remain optimal.