Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with this mouthwatering Creole Calamari recipe. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked calamari swimming in a rich, smoky tomato sauce, punctuated by briny olives and a kick of Creole spice that will make your palate dance with excitement. This isn't just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that transforms a simple seafood dish into a gourmet experience that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Creole
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound calamari, cleaned and sliced
- 1 cup smoked tomatoes, crushed
- 1/4 cup olives, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the calamari. If not already cleaned, rinse the calamari under cold water and slice it into rings. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed smoked tomatoes, chopped olives, minced garlic, and Creole seasoning. Mix well to ensure the flavors meld together. Set this mixture aside to let the flavors develop.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced calamari to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the calamari for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Be careful not to overcook, as calamari can become tough if cooked too long.
- Once the calamari is just cooked, reduce the heat to medium and add the smoked tomato and olive mixture to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
- While the sauce is simmering, prepare a serving dish or individual plates. You can serve the Creole calamari over a bed of rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Once the sauce is ready, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy your Creole Calamari with Smoked Tomato Sauce and Olive Salad, sharing with friends or family for a delightful meal.
Tips
- Calamari Cooking Mastery: The key to tender calamari is quick cooking. Overcooking will turn it rubbery, so aim for 2-3 minutes max.
- Smoked Tomato Secret: If you can't find smoked tomatoes, you can replicate the smoky flavor by adding a pinch of smoked paprika to regular crushed tomatoes.
- Seasoning Hack: Let your Creole seasoning mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Texture Tip: Pat your calamari completely dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve over warm rice or with crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 300mg
