Positioned centrally within Mediterranean fare, where culinary artistry becomes ritual and seafood takes the spotlight, calamariere is a poetic tribute dedicated to the offering of the ocean. Calamariere is an Italian and European coastal tradition that does not simply honor squid as an ingredient; it celebrates the ingredient in the highest manner possible. From simple grilled to stewed infused with great aromas, here are five recipes of Calamariere to truly showcase the bounty of the sea.
1. Grilled Calamariere with Lemon & Rosemary
Best For: Summer lunches and outdoor meals
Why It Shines: Smoked, pure, and tangy flavors incarnate—this is squid at its most authentic.
Ingredients:
- Cleaned and cut into rings or whole tubes, 500g fresh squid
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Method:
- Combine squid with olive oil as well as salt and lemon juice for 15 minutes.
- Bring grill pan or barbecue to glowing hot and humid temperature.
- Squids should be grilled on both sides for 2-3 minutes until lightly roasted.
- Add rosemary as well some lemon juice and serve.
Tip: Squids should not be overcooked because it becomes rubbery in no time.
2. Stuffed Calamariere with Herbed Couscous
Best For: Dinner parties with an aesthetic touch to them.
Why It Shines: Mediterranean spices fused with a collection of textures and surprise within.
Ingredients:
- 4 large squid tubes
- 1 cup cooked couscous
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper, olive oil
Preparation:
- Combine cooked couscous with minced parsley, garlic, and spices.
- Fill the squid tubes and seal the open ends with toothpicks.
- Pan-fry in olive oil for 5-6 minutes on each side or bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes.
- Drizzle with Lemon tahini sauce or aioli before serving.
Note: Squid shrink as they cook, so do not overfill.
3. Calamariére Stew with Tomatoes & White Wine
Most Suitable For: Rustic comfort on a cold evening
Why It Stands Out: Deep, slow-cooked, rich, and warm for the soul.
Ingredients:
- 500g squid cut into rings
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper
Preparation Steps:
- Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil.
- Add squid and stir for 2 minutes.
- Combine wine, tomatoes, and season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for approximately 25-30 minutes until the squid is tender and the sauce thickens.
Tip: Pair with rustic bread or polenta to soak up every drop.
4. Crispy Calamariere Fritti with Chili Aioli
Best for: Appetizers and events.
Why it shines: A perfect blend of fire, crunch, and cream.
Ingredients:
- 300 grams of squid rings
- 1 cup of all purpose flour
- ½ cup of cornmeal (optional, enhances crunch)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for deep frying
Chili Aioli Ingredients:
- ½ cup of mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove
- Lemon juice, 1 teaspoon
- Chili paste or hot sauce, 1 teaspoon
Preparation Method:
- Combine flour, cornmeal, and seasonings in a bowl and mix well.
- Coat squid rings with the mixture, deep-frying them for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare aioli sauce by blending all ingredients together.
Suggestion: Maintain oil temperature by frying in small portions to ensure crispness.
5. Calamariere Pasta with Garlic & Parsley
Best for: Ending the work week.
Why it shines: Effortless elegance.
Ingredients:
- 200 grams of spaghetti
- 250 grams of sliced squid
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- ½ teaspoon of chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
- Salt and lemon zest to finish
Method:
- Cook pasta and set aside ½ cup of cooking water.
- In a separate pan, warm olive oil and sauté garlic and chili flakes.
- Add squid and cook for two to three minutes.
- Add previously cooked spaghetti along with the parsley and water, toss to coat everything in a silky sauce.
- Finish with lemon zest and freshly cracked pepper.
Tip: For added tenderness and sweetness, use baby squid.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calamariere
❓ What exactly “calamariere” is?
Calamariere is a cooking style with a recipe collection structured around squid (calamari). It is an interdisciplinary approach combining the art of cooking with mindful preparation, typically seen along the coasts of the Mediterranean.
❓ Is squid a healthy food?
Yes! Squid is a low-calorie and high-protein food. The meat is rich in vitamin B12, copper, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Just take note on how it is cooked—frying increases the fat content.
❓ What can I do to prevent squid from turning rubbery?
It has to do with time. For squid, you must either do a quick cook of less than 3 minutes or a long cook of more than 25–30 minutes. Anything in between would result in a tough bite.
❓ May I use squid that has been frozen?
Of course. All recipes of calamariere can be made with frozen squid, as long as it is completely thawed and dried to prevent excess moisture during frying which could lead to splatters of oil.
❓ What wine goes well with dishes of calamariere?
Dry white wines such as Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a crisp Rosé go perfectly with squid dishes. For stews heavy in tomato, a light red such as Pinot Noir works well too.