Ingredients:
- 500g fresh squid
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 400g canned tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Start by cleaning the squid. Remove the head, tentacles, and beak, if any. Rinse the squid under cold water, removing any remaining innards. Peel off the purple skin and cut the squid into rings.
2. In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic cloves. Sauté until golden brown and fragrant.
3. Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and continue cooking for a couple of minutes until it softens slightly.
4. Add the canned tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Sprinkle in the sugar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
6. Gently add the squid rings to the pan, making sure they are well-coated with the tomato sauce. Cover the pan and cook for approximately 20 minutes or until the squid becomes tender and opaque.
7. Once the squid is cooked, remove the lid and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
8. Serve the squid in tomato sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice or accompanied by crusty bread. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color.
Enjoy this delightful seafood dish that tantalizes the senses with its vibrant flavors and tender texture. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or for impressing your guests!
Final Thoughts
Mastering the art of cooking squid in tomato sauce opens up a whole new world of culinary possibilities. With a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a memorable meal that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the magic yourself?