Calamari Ripieni

(Stuffed Squid)

Amalia (Eugeni) Fermani, Porto S. Giorgio, Fermo

(Yield: 4 servings)

2 tablespoons (plus extra) extra-virgin olive oil

STUFFING:

½ onion (diced)

2 lbs squid

(cleaned with pouches, tentacles and fins)

½ cup breadcrumbs

¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped fine)

salt and freshly ground pepper

~

¼ cup breadcrumbs

1 lemon quartered into wedges

1. Warm 2 tablespoons of oil in skillet over medium heat and sauté onions until translucent.

2.Add squid tentacles and fins and cook for approx. 5 minutes. Remove and allow to cool. Coarsely chop tentacles and fins and set aside with onions.

3.Combine breadcrumbs, parsley, chopped squid, onions, salt, pepper and mix in bowl, adding extra oil a little at a time until mixture binds together.

4.Stuff each squid pouch loosely with mixture and close opening using toothpicks. Season with salt and pepper.

5.Grease a baking dish and arrange stuffed pouches in single layer.

6.Sprinkle top of pouches with breadcrumbs and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.

7.Cover with aluminum foil and bake in oven preheated to 375°F for 30 minutes.

8.Remove foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes.

9.Garnish plate with fresh parsley and all leftovers from baking dish.

Serve with lemon wedges.