Can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the stuffing and stuff the calamari tubes ahead of time, but it's best to cook them fresh.

Can I use frozen calamari?

Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before use.

What can I use as a substitute for ricotta?

You can use cottage cheese blended until smooth, or cream cheese for a richer texture.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Substitute the calamari with hollowed-out zucchini or bell peppers for a veggie-friendly alternative.

Italian Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Calamari with Tomato Basil Sauce

Name: Italian Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Calamari with Tomato Basil Sauce
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 cup ricotta cheese; Zest of 1 lemon; 2 tbsp parmesan cheese; 1 clove garlic; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley; 8-10 medium-sized calamari tubes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion; 2 cloves garlic; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves; Salt and pepper to taste

A delightful seafood dish with zesty, creamy filling and aromatic sauce

Stuffed with lemony ricotta, this calamari dish is enhanced by a rich tomato basil sauce, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.

1 h 15 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Stuffing

1 cup ricotta cheese

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tbsp parmesan cheese

grated

1 clove garlic

minced

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp fresh parsley

chopped

For the Calamari

8-10 medium-sized calamari tubes

cleaned

1 tbsp olive oil

For the Tomato Basil Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion

finely chopped

2 cloves garlic

minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

torn

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Marinating the Filling

Combine ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, lemon zest, parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley.

Mix

Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate for about 15 minutes.

Preparing the Calamari

Clean and dry

Rinse the calamari tubes under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.

Stuff

Stuff each tube with the prepared ricotta filling using a small spoon or piping bag.

Use a piping bag for easier and cleaner stuffing.

Secure

Secure the open ends with toothpicks to prevent spilling.

Do not overfill the calamari tubes as they might burst during cooking.

Cooking Process

Sautéing

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add stuffed calamari. Cook until lightly browned on all sides.

Sauce Preparation

In another pot, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft. Stir in crushed tomatoes and basil, cook for 15 minutes.

Simmering

Add the browned calamari to the sauce, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until calamari is tender.

Plating & Serving