Name: Shrimp-Stuffed Calamari with Polenta
Prep time: P0Y0M0DT0H30M0.000S
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT1H15M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT1H45M0.000S
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 18 4-inch calamari (about 2 pounds), cleaned, tentacles separated (ask your fishmonger to do this); 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup sourdough breadcrumbs (about 1 slice, ground); 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil; Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon; 2 anchovy fillets, rinsed and chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper; 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Kosher salt; 1/4 cup dry white wine; 1 28-ounce can plum tomatoes; 2 or 3 stalks fresh basil, plus chopped leaves for garnish; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; Kosher salt; 1 bay leaf; 1 cup yellow polenta; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature; 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Directions

Prepare the calamari: Rinse the bodies and set aside. Dice the tentacles and the shrimp into 1/4-to-1/2-inch pieces. Beat the egg in a large bowl. Add the diced calamari tentacles and shrimp, the breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, basil, lemon zest and juice, anchovies and garlic. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste and mix until combined.
Using your fingers, stuff each calamari body about two-thirds full with the shrimp-breadcrumb mixture and close with a toothpick. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a wide pot over medium-high heat. Sear the calamari in batches until browned and opaque on both sides, 8 to 10 minutes, and transfer to a plate.
Make the sauce: Lower the heat, add the garlic and red pepper flakes to the pot and cook, stirring, 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt, then add the wine and scrape up any browned bits from the pot. Boil until the wine is almost evaporated, then crush the tomatoes into the pot with your hands and add the juices. Add 1 cup water, 3/4 teaspoon salt and the basil stalks. Arrange the calamari in a single layer in the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook until the calamari are tender, about 40 minutes. Uncover and cook until the sauce thickens, 10 to 15 more minutes.
Meanwhile, make the polenta: Place 4 1/2 cups cold water in a separate pot over low heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and the bay leaf. Whisk in the polenta in a slow, steady stream, then increase the heat to medium and bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Reduce the heat and cook at a bare simmer, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the polenta is thick and pulls away from the sides of the pot, about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and cheese.
Divide the polenta among shallow bowls. Discard the toothpicks and place the calamari on top of the polenta. Remove the basil stalks and spoon the sauce over the dish. Garnish with the chopped basil and more parmesan.

Photograph by Con Poulos

Courtesy of Food Network Magazine

Shrimp-Stuffed Calamari with Polenta

Ingredients

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For the Polenta:

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