Delicious Calamari in White Wine Tomato Sauce Recipe
Hello food lovers! Are you looking to add some Mediterranean flair to your dinner plans tonight? Well, look no further than this delicious Calamari in Tomato White Wine Sauce recipe. This recipe is perfect for seafood enthusiasts who are searching for a scrumptious and healthy dinner option.
Calamari, also known as squid, is a popular seafood choice that can be cooked in a variety of different ways. In this recipe, we’ll be stewing the squid with garlic, onion and plum tomatoes in a white wine sauce with a hint of hot pepper flakes. The result is an explosion of harmonious flavors that will leave your taste buds tingling for more.
Don’t worry if you’ve never cooked calamari before, this recipe is simple and easy to follow. Additionally, our guide will provide helpful tips on substitutions and variations you can make if necessary. And if you’re still not convinced, let me tell you that this dish pairs perfectly with a crisp glass of white wine or even some squid ink pasta on the side.
Now grab those aprons and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and effortless recipe to impress your dinner guests? Then look no further than this tasty Calamari in Tomato White Wine Sauce recipe.
Firstly, this recipe is the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, savory calamari, and crisp dry white wine. The combination of flavors is a match made in heaven, and it’s sure to become your new favorite seafood dish.
Secondly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve it on top of pasta or rice for a hearty, satisfying meal, or you can pair it with some freshly baked bread as an appetizer. The possibilities are endless.
Finally, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a gourmet feast ready in no time. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions where you want to impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
Overall, the Calamari in Tomato White Wine Sauce recipe is a great dish that anyone can make. It’s delicious, versatile, and easy to prepare – what more could you ask for? So why not give it a try and see for yourself why this recipe will become one of your favorites!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make Calamari in Tomato White Wine Sauce. Make sure to get fresh and quality ingredients for the best results:
- 1 lb calamari, cleaned, rings and tentacles separated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove, sliced
- 2 cups plum tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of hot pepper flakes (optional)
Make sure to have everything ready before starting as this recipe cooks quickly!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Before starting the recipe, make sure that all the ingredients are thoroughly washed and chopped. Start by finely chopping two onions and slicing one garlic clove into thin pieces.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced onions and sauté for about five minutes until they start to soften. Add the garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Wine
Pour in two cups of plum tomatoes, along with a cup of dry white wine to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for about three minutes before adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper. Stir occasionally to combine.
Step 4: Cook Calamari Rings
Add one pound of cleaned calamari rings and tentacles into the skillet with tomato sauce. Give it a good stir to ensure that all of the squid is coated with the sauce.
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
Lower heat to medium-low, cover and let it simmer for about ten minutes or until calamari is cooked through. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve over pasta, rice or with crusty bread on top.
Enjoy your homemade Calamari in Tomato White Wine Sauce Recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the joys of cooking is the ability to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to make a recipe uniquely your own. Here are some easy substitutions and variations you can try with this calamari in tomato white wine sauce recipe:
– Umami boost: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste or fish sauce to the sauce for an extra punch of savory flavor.
– Spice it up: If you like your food on the spicier side, add more hot pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
– Seafood lovers: This recipe pairs well with other seafood, such as shrimp, scallops or clams. You can add them to the dish when you add the calamari, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
– Pasta 101: Serve the sauce over any pasta shape you prefer. Spaghetti or linguine work great, but why not try calamarata pasta, which is a tubular pasta that looks like calamari rings?
– Veggie-friendly: For a vegetarian option, substitute mushrooms for the calamari. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry until they’re golden brown before adding them to the tomato white wine sauce.
Whatever substitutions or variations you choose, keep in mind that cooking is an art more than an exact science that requires creativity and imagination. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you and your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve made this tasty calamari in tomato white wine sauce recipe, the next step is to serve it up and enjoy it with a perfect pairing.
This dish pairs excellently with a glass of dry white wine, especially Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The crispness and acidity of white wine help to cut through the richness of this dish and enhance the flavour of tomatoes and garlic.
In terms of the main course, there are many different ways you can serve this dish. You can either enjoy calamari in tomato white wine sauce on its own as a delicious entrée or alongside some toasted bread to sop up all the delicious sauce.
For a more substantial meal, try serving it over spaghetti or linguine pasta for a wonderful seafood pasta experience. This combination is undoubtedly one of my favourites since al dente spaghetti absorbs all that tasty tomato white wine sauce, creating an exquisite blend that will tantalize your taste buds.
If you are in the mood for something more light yet sophisticated dinner then try seafood pasta such as calamarata combined with spinach or stuffed squid. This delightful recipe also pairs well with braised squid or other calamari stew variations.
No matter how you choose to serve this scrumptious calamari in tomato white wine sauce recipe, you’re surely in for an indulgent seafood feast you won’t soon forget!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the reasons why I love this Calamari in Tomato White Wine Sauce recipe is its versatility. Not only is it delicious, but it can also be made ahead of time, stored properly, and reheated easily without losing its rich flavors.
To make this recipe ahead of time, cook the Calamari in Tomato White Wine Sauce as directed and cool it down to room temperature. Transfer it into an airtight container and keep it chilled in the fridge for up to 2 days. This way, you can prepare the dish in advance and cross it off your to-do list on the day of serving.
When reheating, transfer the Calamari in Tomato White Wine Sauce to a large saucepan and warm it over low heat while stirring occasionally until evenly heated through. Note that overcooking can result in rubbery calamari, so make sure not to overheat.
For storage, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat portions either in microwave-safe dishes or covered stovetop pans for faster results.
Additionally, this dish pairs well with other seafood pasta dishes like calamarata pasta or stuffed squid, making it an excellent addition to any seafood lover’s cookbook. Plus, you can serve it as a hearty meal on its own or over spaghetti or squid ink pasta for something different.
Overall, this Calamari in Tomato White Wine Sauce recipe is tasty, impressive, and effortless with make-ahead options and easy reheating that comes in handy when hosting a dinner party or looking for recipes that are versatile enough for busy weeknights.
Tips for Perfect Results
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice, there are always some helpful tips that can take your cooking game to the next level. Here are some tips that can help you get perfect results every time you make this Calamari in Tomato White Wine Sauce Recipe:
1. Pat the Calamari Dry: Properly drying the calamari is essential to ensure that it gets a nice sear and crisps up nicely. Thoroughly pat each piece of calamari dry with paper towels before cooking.
2. Get Your Pan Hot: Heat your pan on medium-high heat until hot before adding olive oil. This step ensures that the calamari gets the right amount of sear and doesn’t become rubbery.
3. Don’t Overcook the Calamari: Nothing ruins a dish of calamari quicker than overcooking it. Keep an eye on your calamari as it cooks, and remove it from the pan as soon as it turns opaque and starts to curl up.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients used can significantly impact the taste of the final dish. Try to use fresh plum tomatoes, garlic cloves, and onions to make the tomato white wine sauce.
5. Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a little kick in your food, add some red pepper flakes to your tomato sauce for some extra spice and flavor.
6. Serve with Squid Ink Pasta: For an extra fancy touch, serve your Calamari in Tomato White Wine Sauce Recipe with squid ink pasta or calamarata pasta. The dark color and slightly bitter taste of squid ink pasta pairs perfectly with seafood.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your Calamari in Tomato White Wine Sauce will always come out perfectly cooked and delicious.
FAQ
Now that you’re fully armed with the ins and outs of this calamari in tomato white wine sauce recipe, it’s time to address any lingering questions you may have. In this section, I’ve compiled answers to some of the commonly asked questions about the recipe, including ingredient substitutions and variations, and tips for storing and reheating. So let’s dive right in!
What does white wine do to tomato sauce?
If you want to add some extra flavor and depth to your tomato sauce, you might want to consider using white wine instead of red wine. Although red wine can create a more robust sauce, white wine can bring in a subtle fruity undertone which can be quite delightful and unexpected. Therefore, it’s worth trying out white wine as a flavor enhancer in your next tomato sauce recipe.
What wine goes with calamari in tomato sauce?
When it comes to pairing wines with dishes that have tomato sauce, I usually recommend going for a light-to-medium-bodied red that has a smooth and gentle tannin profile. Some of my top picks in this category include merlot, Beaujolais, and Italian-style wines. These choices will complement the acidity of the tomato sauce in the dish without overpowering it, allowing for a balanced and enjoyable experience.
What wine is best for calamari?
Sparkling wine can be a great choice to pair with crispy fried food. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties in brute style offer a wonderful contrast to the citrusy taste of fried dishes. These types of sparkling wine are also noted for their berry taste, which would be a great match for sweet squid. Alternatively, Pinot Grigio with its crisp citrus flavor can work well with lemon-flavored fried calamari.
What is calamari sauce made of?
Combining Sriracha sauce and mayonnaise creates a delightful dipping sauce that pairs excellently with fried calamari. It’s recommended to prepare the sauce in advance and chill it until serving time.
Bottom Line
Now that you have followed the recipe and enjoyed this delicious calamari in tomato white wine sauce, I hope I have convinced you to make it a staple dish in your culinary repertoire. The combination of tender calamari, the heartiness of plum tomatoes, and the brightness of dry white wine creates a beautiful medley of flavors.
This dish pairs perfectly with some crusty bread or even squid ink pasta for an added flair. And for my fellow wine lovers out there, a crisp and refreshing glass of white wine would be the perfect complement to this flavorful meal.
Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and substitutions to find your own perfect twist on this recipe. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a taste of Italy at home, this calamari in tomato white wine sauce is sure to please.
So next time you’re looking for a burst of flavor, grab a pan and some fresh calamari, and let’s get cooking!
Calamari in Tomato White Wine Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb calamari
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove, sliced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes (or more if desired)
- 1 1/2 cups plum tomatoes (canned, seeded and chopped)
Instructions
- Holding calamari tube, pull off head and tentacles; set aside. Rinse squid tubes under cold water, rubbing off purplish skin. Pull out and discard "pen" (long clear plastic-like skeleton) from centre of tubes.
- On cutting board, pull off and discard fins from tubes. Cut off and discard eyes and head from tentacles, keeping tentacles attached on ring on top. Squeeze hard beak from centre of tentacles and discard.
- Cut tubes crosswise into 1/2" wide rings; pat dry.
- In saucepan, heat oil over medium heat; cook onion and garlic, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add wine and hot pepper flakes; cook for 1 minutes.
- Add tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add squid; simmer until tender, about 3 - 5 minutes. Sprinkle with salt.
- Note: fresh tomatoes could be used.but the sauce would need to cook down probably 10 minutes more.