Mediterranean Roasted Calamari Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this exquisite roasted calamari dish. Instead of the traditional frying method, this recipe allows the calamari to shine through a medley of aromatic spices, roasted garlic, and fresh tomatoes. The addition of white wine and lime juice creates a luscious sauce that perfectly complements the tender calamari, making it an ideal choice for a light yet satisfying meal. Don't forget to serve it with plenty of crusty French bread for mopping up the delicious sauce—a true culinary delight!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Garlic cloves, roasted
2 tablespoons (peeled and roasted)
Calamari
2 cups (cleaned and sliced)
Capers
2 tablespoons (drained)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
Red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
Ancho chili
1 teaspoon (chopped)
Plum tomatoes
2 medium (diced)
White wine
1/2 cup (none)
Lime juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Italian parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
2
Once the oil is hot, add the roasted garlic and calamari. Sauté for 1 minute until the calamari is slightly opaque.
3
Stir in the capers, cumin, red pepper flakes, chopped ancho chili, and diced tomatoes. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Pour in the white wine and lime juice, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
Incorporate the chopped parsley, salt to taste, and the unsalted butter. Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
6
Adjust the seasoning if necessary, and remove from heat.
7
Serve the calamari hot, accompanied by slices of fresh French bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Roasted Calamari Delight?
It is a vibrant Mediterranean seafood dish featuring calamari sautéed with roasted garlic, tomatoes, and aromatic spices in a white wine and lime sauce.
Is the calamari fried in this recipe?
No, this recipe avoids traditional frying, instead using a sautéing and simmering method to highlight the tender texture of the calamari.
How long should I sauté the calamari initially?
You should sauté the calamari for about 1 minute until it becomes slightly opaque.
What ingredients make up the sauce?
The sauce consists of white wine, lime juice, juices from plum tomatoes, and unsalted butter.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served hot with plenty of crusty French bread for mopping up the flavorful sauce.
How much calamari do I need?
The recipe requires 2 cups of cleaned and sliced calamari.
What type of garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of peeled and roasted garlic cloves.
How many plum tomatoes are required?
You will need 2 medium plum tomatoes, which should be diced.
What spices are used for seasoning?
Ground cumin, red pepper flakes, and chopped ancho chili provide the spice profile for this dish.
How much white wine is added to the pan?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of white wine.
Should I use fresh lime juice?
Yes, the recipe recommends 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
What kind of parsley is suggested?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped Italian parsley.
Why is butter added at the end of the cooking process?
Unsalted butter is stirred in at the end to melt into the sauce and help it thicken slightly.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
Once the wine and lime juice are added, let it simmer on low heat for about 4 minutes.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including seasonings and oil.
Is this dish considered a light meal?
Yes, it is described as an ideal choice for a light yet satisfying meal.
What type of pan should be used?
A large sauté pan is recommended for this recipe.
When should the capers and cumin be added?
They should be stirred in after the initial sauté of the garlic and calamari.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for unsalted butter, allowing you to control the saltiness manually with added salt.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and uses simple sautéing techniques.
What is the preparation for the ancho chili?
The ancho chili should be chopped before being added to the pan.
Do I need to clean the calamari myself?
The ingredients list specifies cleaned and sliced calamari, which you can often find at a fish market or do yourself.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
What temperature should the pan be?
The pan should be heated over medium-high heat initially.
What adds the 'briny' flavor to this dish?
The 2 tablespoons of drained capers provide a briny Mediterranean flavor.
Is there any heat or spice in this dish?
Yes, red pepper flakes and ancho chili provide a mild to moderate heat.
Can this be part of a healthy diet?
Yes, it is tagged as 'healthy' and utilizes fresh ingredients and lean seafood protein.
How do you know when to remove the pan from heat?
Remove it once the butter is melted, the sauce has thickened slightly, and you have adjusted the seasoning.
Should the garlic be added before or after the calamari?
The roasted garlic and calamari are added to the hot oil at the same time.
Can I store leftovers?
While seafood is best served fresh, leftovers can be refrigerated, though the texture of the calamari may change upon reheating.