Description
Greek Stuffed Calamari is a flavorful Mediterranean dish featuring tender calamari filled with a savory mixture of rice, feta cheese, olives, and herbs, topped with marinara sauce.
Ingredients
1 pound fresh calamari, cleaned and tentacles separated
1 cup cooked rice (preferably short-grain or arborio)
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and finely chopped onion. Add the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper and mix everything until well combined.
- Stuff the Calamari: Pat the calamari tubes dry with a paper towel. Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully stuff each calamari tube with the rice and feta mixture. Leave a little space at the top for expansion, then secure with a toothpick or small skewer.
- Cook the Calamari: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Place the stuffed calamari in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the calamari and set aside.
- Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Place the stuffed calamari back into the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve the Dish: Once the calamari are cooked, remove from the skillet and place on a serving platter. Spoon marinara sauce over the top and garnish with parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
For extra texture, add breadcrumbs to the filling.
Sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts can be added for a richer Mediterranean flavor.
Increase heat by adding more red pepper flakes or fresh chili.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed calamari
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
