Squid with Peas

Name: Squid with Peas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Calamari (squid) to be cleaned 1.8 lbs; Peas 2 ½ cups; Tomato purée 3.3 tbsp; Fresh scallion 2.5 oz; Garlic 3 cloves; Dry white wine 3 oz; Water 3.5 oz; Extra virgin olive oil 3 tbsp; Fine salt to taste

Gluten Free
Lactose Free

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Average

PRESENTATION

Get ready to savor the rich flavors of the Italian coast with this calamari with peas recipe. Honestly, in those charming seaside towns of Italy, the locals are all about using the freshest squid and tender spring peas, especially when they're in season. This squid and peas dish is often a quick main course, or hey, spoon it over some toasted bread. Really, you'll experience those classic Mediterranean tastes, with moist calamari soaking up the deliciousness of olive oil, garlic, and sometimes—oh yes—a splash of white wine or tomato.

Folks in Liguria and along the Adriatic coast, they swear by using just-picked peas. Adds a bit of sweetness and really tender textures, for real. Italians have loads of ways to prepare calamari, but this stewing with peas? It stands out. It’s pretty simple and seriously tasty—it fills the kitchen with the aroma of the sea. Plus, many use this Italian calamari stew as a hearty pasta sauce. Others keep it for ladling out as a seafood stew, perfect with crusty bread. Cleaning the squid takes patience, but it’s worth it for that soft, almost juicy texture after simmering everything together.

In some regions, you'll find folks adding a bit of tomato sauce for a richer color and an extra tangy kick—making this calamari and pea stew unique wherever you go along the coast. It’s pretty flexible. Mix in other fresh veggies if you have them. But nothing beats the combination of moist calamari and sweet peas. Whether you call it squid with green peas or stick to the traditional name, this dish brings a bit of that laid-back Italian vibe to any table. Simple ingredients that really really let the seafood shine. Pair it with a glass of white wine, and you'll feel like you're dining at a seaside trattoria—even if you're just at home. And here's the thing, this recipe is all about bringing those coastal Italian flavors straight to your kitchen, offering a taste of Italy in every bite. Can't go wrong.

How to prepare Squid with Peas

To prepare squid with peas, start with the Cleaning Squid: rinse them under running water, then separate the head from the mantle, gently removing the innards 1 and the cartilage pen 2. Rinse again under running water, inside and out. Take the head and remove the beak, setting the tentacles aside 3.

Finally remove the skin from the mantle 4, rinse again and cut into rings about 3/4 inch (2 cm) wide 5. Trim the spring onion and slice it into rings 6.

In a nonstick pan, sauté half the amount of oil with the garlic cloves, then add the squid (rings and tentacles) 7. Increase the heat to medium-high, season with salt 8 and brown for about 8 minutes. When the squid have changed color and there is no more liquid on the bottom of the pan, deglaze with the white wine 9.

Let the alcohol evaporate while stirring well to deglaze the pan 10, then remove the garlic cloves 11. As soon as they have dried, take the squid out of the pan and set aside 12.

In the same pan pour the remaining amount of oil and the spring onion 13. Let it soften for a couple of minutes, then add the peas 14 and the tomato purée 15.

Also add the salt 16 and the water 17, stir well and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes 18.

After this time, add the browned squid 19, cover with a lid 20 and let flavors meld over low heat for another 5 minutes. Your squid with peas are ready to be served 21!