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Christmas Eve Calamari

For this Christmas Eve dish, calamari is simmered in a sauce of stewed tomatoes, vinegar, onions, garlic, pepper flakes, and sprinkled with parsley. A simpler version of Feast of the Seven Fishes.

Prep Time
45 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 45 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 557 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds cleaned calamari (fresh or frozen) both sacs and tentacles, washed and thoroughly dried
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion halved and thinly sliced
  • 2 large cloves garlic passed through a garlic press
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher or sea salt
  • Generous pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped oregano leaves
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • One (14 1/2-ounce) can stewed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 8 slices rustic Italian bread plain or toasted (bruschetta)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, cut the calamari sacs (bodies) into 1/2-inch-wide rings. Cut each crown of tentacles in half lengthwise to yield bite-size pieces.
  2. In a large sauté pan with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté, stirring from time to time, until softened and translucent, 7 to 8 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic and the salt to form a paste. Add the paste to the onion in the pan and then stir in the red pepper flakes and oregano, mixing everything thoroughly. Add the calamari and stir to combine. Sauté for a minute or two. Raise the heat to medium-high, add the wine, and let the mixture bubble for 2 minutes. Pour in the tomatoes and their juices, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer gently until the calamari are tender, 30 to 45 minutes.
  4. Uncover and continue to simmer gently until the sauce has thickened somewhat, up to 15 minutes. Stir in the vinegar, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook, uncovered, for 2 more minutes. Taste and season with salt if desired. Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley. Spoon the calamari and sauce into shallow bowls and serve with the bruschetta or bread.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1portion Calories 557kcal (28%) Carbohydrates 33g (11%) Protein 39g (78%) Fat 28g (43%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Monounsaturated Fat 11g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 528mg (176%) Sodium 543mg (23%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 14g (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 557

% Daily Value*

Serving 1portion
Calories 557kcal 28%
Carbohydrates 33g 11%
Protein 39g 78%
Fat 28g 43%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Monounsaturated Fat 11g 55%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 528mg 176%
Sodium 543mg 23%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 14g 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.