Kalamara Yemista(Stuffed Squid)
Kalamara Yemista features tender stuffed squid with a flavorful rice and spinach filling, enhanced by lemon, wine, and herbs, perfect for seafood lovers and Mediterranean cuisine enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and clean the squid, removing ink bags and skin.
- Cut off the tentacles and set them aside.
- In a large skillet, heat oil and brown chopped scallions, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
- Add the chopped tentacles and brown them; then add oregano, sherry, and more oil if needed to braise.
- Add chopped spinach and cooked rice; simmer for 20 minutes.
- Loosely stuff the squid with the rice mixture and arrange them in the skillet.
- Add lemon juice, clam broth, 1/2 cup of olive oil, and 1 cup of water.
- Simmer the stuffed squid for 30 minutes.
- Cool the squid, then carefully slice into 1/2-inch rings and arrange on a platter.
- Garnish with lemon wedges before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try incorporating some chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes into the rice mixture. If you don't have clam broth, seafood stock or even vegetable broth can be good substitutes. Be careful not to overstuff the squid to avoid bursting during cooking. Use fresh herbs like dill or basil for a more aromatic stuffing. This dish can be a great way to use leftover rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Kalamara Yemista on a bed of lightly dressed greens or alongside a refreshing Capers-Spinach Salad for a complete meal. Lemon wedges are essential for squeezing over the dish just before eating. A glass of chilled white wine pairs beautifully, enhancing the flavors of the seafood. Consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed squid can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the squid in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Cover with a lid to steam them gently, ensuring they don’t dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kalamara Yemista(Stuffed Squid) contains roughly 194 calories, with 10g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (108% of the Daily Value), iron (99% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 19g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen squid for this recipe?
Yes, frozen squid works well for this recipe. Just ensure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before using. Rinse it well to remove any excess ice or moisture, and follow the recipe as directed. Thawed squid may be slightly more tender, making it easier to stuff.
What can I do if I can't find fresh squid?
If fresh squid is unavailable, look for cleaned and frozen squid at your local grocery store or seafood market. They are often just as good and save time on preparation. You can also explore other seafood options such as stuffed calamari or even shrimp if you want to experiment.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicy twist, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture or a dash of hot sauce in the broth. You could also serve the stuffed squid with a spicy dipping sauce on the side to enhance the flavors even further.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).