Garlic and Lemon Scented Squid
- Very easy
- 15 min
- Kcal 325
Family meals often brighten up with mint-scented grains—this simple addition changes up the usual routine from basic rice or pasta. A nice aroma floats up as you serve, adding instant charm to busy weeknights or relaxed Sunday dinners. Fresh flavor goes a LONG way, making it a great twist for those keeping things classic in their traditional American cooking, but still wanting something a bit unexpected. Looks tend to be bright and soft, with tender grains reflecting a light green touch, and families usually comment on that CLEAN, super FRESH scent when dinner hits the table. Versatile enough for budget-friendly meals (think regular weeknights) or days when you want something to impress like Easter, Mother’s Day, or any laid-back brunch, this kind of grain dish feels right at home. It blends really well with roasted chicken, veggie mains, or parties with shared plates, and since it sits so well next to zippy salads or simple grilled proteins, even new home cooks end up loving how well it fits with everything. (Basically, you can mix these grains with so many family meal favorites and it works just fine—there’s lots of room to experiment.)
That easy flexibility matters for families since dinner sometimes means rushing, but every dish still needs to be reliable. Busy parents pick this because mint-scented grains consistently pull off good results without special effort. Helpful for planning ahead, it works for make-ahead meals you can portion out when the calendar gets packed. Home cooks notice that presentation goes a long way—with a fresh sprinkling of herbs or a pretty bowl, these grains always look nice and appealing (honestly, even if you just spoon them on a plate). They suit many kinds of diet plans easily, too, which helps if you’re feeding a crowd with different needs or looking for a simple staple. Easy to match with different proteins or serve plain, this is a safe bet for hosts (or family cooks who want to keep things low-stress). With reliable results and a super family-friendly reputation, this option is handy to tuck into anyone’s regular dinner rotation—bright, fresh, really DELICIOUS, and always functional for make-ahead meals or last-minute suppers alike. (Try it for a casual potluck or on special holidays—pretty much everyone digs it!)
To prepare the mint-scented grains, start by washing the zucchini, removing the ends, and cutting them into small cubes; also wash the tomatoes, cut them in half, remove the seeds with a teaspoon, and cut them into small cubes as well. Finely chop the anchovy fillets and let them dissolve in 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan 1. Add the zucchini 2 and cook them over high heat for a few minutes, then add the shrimp 3 that you have boiled in hot water and let them flavor with the zucchini.
Meanwhile, cook the grains 4 in plenty of salted boiling water, following the package cooking instructions (usually for 8/10 minutes). Drain the grains, let them cool slightly, add the mix of zucchini and shrimp, the diced tomatoes 5, the remaining tablespoon of oil, adjust salt and pepper, and mix well to flavor the ingredients. Finally, incorporate plenty of finely chopped mint 6. Serve the mint-scented grains cold or still warm, garnished with whole mint leaves.