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Cozy Baked Stuffed Calamari for Italian Christmas Eve

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This cozy baked stuffed calamari is a quick and easy seafood dish perfect for Italian Christmas Eve or any special occasion. Tender squid tubes are filled with a savory breadcrumb and Parmesan stuffing, then baked in a simple tomato sauce until perfectly tender.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh or frozen squid, cleaned
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Additional grated Parmesan (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the calamari: If not already cleaned, remove head, tentacles, and quill from squid. Rinse tubes under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Inspect for tears or holes.
  2. Make the tomato sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add smashed garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook while preparing stuffing.
  3. Make the stuffing: In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil and add beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until breadcrumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should hold together when pressed but still be slightly crumbly.
  4. Stuff the calamari: Using a small spoon or fingers, gently fill each squid tube with the breadcrumb mixture, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the open end. Secure the open end with a toothpick. Place stuffed calamari on a plate.
  5. Assemble and bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour tomato sauce into the dish and spread evenly. Arrange stuffed calamari in a single layer on top of the sauce, seam side down. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until calamari is tender and stuffing is heated through. For a crisper top, broil for the last 2 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks and garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and additional Parmesan.

Notes

Don’t overstuff the calamari—leave 1/2 inch of space. Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing. Pat squid dry before stuffing. Don’t skip the lemon zest. Check oven at 18 minutes to avoid overcooking. For a crowd, double the recipe and use two baking dishes, rotating halfway through.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed calamari, baked calamari, Italian Christmas Eve, Feast of the Seven Fishes, seafood recipe, holiday appetizer, easy seafood dinner

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/cozy-baked-stuffed-calamari-for-italian-christmas-eve/