Hydra’s Stewed Calamari with Rice

Stewed calamari (Kalamarakia kokkinista / Καλαμαράκια κοκκινιστά) is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Greek island cuisine. This recipe, which comes from the charming island of Hydra, blends flavorful rice with soft calamari in a thick tomato sauce. The meal is a wonderful representation of Mediterranean tastes, and the hint of ouzo adds richness and depth.

Imagine the soft sea air and breathtaking views of Hydra’s harbor while you make this lunch. This recipe, which combines basic, savory ingredients with fresh fish, is a testimony to the island’s culinary legacy, both rustic and elegant. The flavorful tomato sauce is absorbed by the soft calamari throughout the lengthy cooking process, resulting in a pleasing combination of flavors and textures.

This recipe for stewed calamari gives you a true flavor of Hydra’s culinary traditions, whether you’re cooking up a favorite vacation memory or sampling Greek food from a distance. It will take your taste senses to the sun-soaked shores of the Aegean Sea, making it the perfect choice for a romantic family supper or a spectacular feast for guests.

 

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450

Ingredients

• 2 medium fresh calamari (about 700g), cleaned and sliced
• 2 ½ cups long-grain rice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 red onions, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• ¼ cup ouzo
• 1 cup grated tomatoes
• 5 cups hot water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill, chopped
• 1 lemon, for serving
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. Clean the calamari thoroughly, removing the bone and ink. Rinse well under running water.
2. Slice the calamari into rings and chop the tentacles.
3. Heat olive oil in a wide, shallow pot over medium-high heat.
4. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add calamari and cook for 1-2 minutes until it changes color.
6. Remove the garlic clove and discard.
7. Add rice and stir for 2 minutes until it becomes glossy.
8. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
9. Pour in ouzo and let it evaporate completely.
10. Add grated tomatoes and hot water. Season with salt and pepper.
11. Partially cover and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes until rice is cooked.
12. Sprinkle with chopped dill and add the bay leaf.
13. Remove from heat and cover with a clean kitchen towel and lid.
14. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
15. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot or wide, shallow casserole
• Sharp knife
• Colander
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

 

Tips and Tricks

To elevate your stewed calamari dish, consider these expert tips:

1. For tender calamari, avoid overcooking. It should be cooked quickly over high heat or simmered gently for an extended period.
2. Pat the calamari dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and prevent excess liquid in the dish.
3. Use a good quality ouzo for authentic flavor. If unavailable, dry white wine can be substituted.
4. Add a pinch of saffron for a luxurious touch and golden hue.
5. For extra depth, include a splash of fish stock along with the water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty dish in shallow bowls to showcase its vibrant colors. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges for a pop of color and zest. A crusty bread on the side is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Beverage Pairing Recommendations

This robust seafood dish pairs wonderfully with crisp white wines. Consider a Greek Assyrtiko from Santorini, known for its minerality and citrus notes. Alternatively, a light, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc or a bone-dry Retsina can complement the dish beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon captures the Mediterranean essence.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Enhance your meal with these complementary side dishes:

1. Greek salad with feta, olives, and a light vinaigrette
2. Grilled vegetables drizzled with olive oil
3. Tzatziki for a cool, creamy contrast
4. Spanakopita (spinach pie) for a traditional Greek spread

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors often intensify overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing Instructions

While fresh is best, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space for expansion and label with the date.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Gently warm in a covered pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Calories per Serving

Approximately 450 calories

Detailed Nutrient Breakdown

Per serving:

• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Potassium: 400mg
• Vitamin A: 8% DV
• Vitamin C: 15% DV
• Calcium: 6% DV
• Iron: 15% DV

Allergies & Dietary Restrictions

• Calamari: Seafood allergy, avoid if allergic to mollusks
• Rice: Gluten-free, suitable for celiac diet
• Olive oil: Generally allergen-free, but rare allergies exist
• Onions and garlic: FODMAP-sensitive individuals should avoid
• Tomato paste and grated tomatoes: Nightshade allergy, avoid if sensitive
• Ouzo: Contains alcohol, avoid if abstaining
• Salt: Individuals on low-sodium diets should adjust accordingly
• Pepper: Generally allergen-free
• Dill: Rare allergies, generally safe
• Lemon: Citrus allergy, avoid if sensitive
• Bay leaf: Generally allergen-free, remove before serving

This dish is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. It’s suitable for pescatarians but not for vegetarians or vegans. Those with seafood allergies should avoid this recipe entirely. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns or allergies.

 

Health Benefits

Stewed calamari offers numerous nutritional advantages:

1. High-quality protein: Calamari is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle maintenance and growth.
2. Omega-3 fatty acids: These heart-healthy fats support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
3. Vitamins and minerals: Rich in vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc, supporting immune function and metabolism.
4. Antioxidants: Tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced cancer risk.
5. Fiber: The rice and vegetables contribute dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
6. Low in saturated fat: A healthier alternative to red meat dishes.

Variations and Adaptations

1. Seafood medley: Incorporate shrimp, mussels, or octopus for a diverse seafood experience.
2. Vegetable-rich: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
3. Whole grain option: Substitute brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.
4. Spicy twist: Include red pepper flakes or chopped chili for a kick.
5. Herb infusion: Experiment with oregano, thyme, or rosemary for varied flavor profiles.
6. Lemon-garlic emphasis: Increase garlic and add lemon zest for a zesty variation.

Seasonal Considerations

While calamari is available year-round, consider these seasonal adjustments:

Spring/Summer: Lighten the dish with fresh cherry tomatoes and more herbs. Serve with a crisp salad.

Fall/Winter: Add hearty vegetables like carrots or fennel. Increase the tomato sauce for a warming effect.

Peak tomato season (late summer): Use ripe, local tomatoes for the most intense flavor.

Herb variations: Use basil in summer, oregano in fall, and dried herbs in winter when fresh may be scarce.

 

Personal Story

I’ll never forget the day I learned this dish from my yiayia. Her kitchen window let in the aroma of jasmine on a balmy summer’s evening in her little village. “Yianni, you discover the recipe for our family’s calamari today,” she said, her eyes sparkling.

She told us stories while we cooked, about how her mother, who had survived hard times on the island, had taught her the recipe. Though the dish’s simplicity represented those austere years, its tastes were laden with heritage.

While playing in the garden, my girls’ laughter blended with the sound of onions sizzling in the skillet. With a glass of red wine in hand, my wife joined us and shared her sommelier knowledge on the ideal match.

This meal was more than just food, I realized as we sat around the table that evening, the sinking sun painting the sky in pink and orange tones. It provided as a link between generations and a plate-sized serving of our history.

Now, every time I make this stewed calamari in any of my eateries, in picturesque Nafplio or busy Athens, I’m taken back to that night. It’s more than simply a recipe—every visitor who orders it receives a little bit of my heart.

 

Historical Background

Greece has long been known for its calamari preparation, as evidenced by the discovery of squid eating at ancient archeological sites. This adaptable shellfish has long been a main source of nourishment for coastal people.

When tomatoes were introduced to Greek cuisine during the Ottoman conquest of Greece, the particular method of stewed calamari most likely developed. Greek cookery became deeply ingrained with new taste profiles that were produced when tomatoes were added to classic fish dishes.

When Greek island tourism took off in the early 1900s, local specialties like stewed calamari were more well-liked by tourists. Due to this exposure, the recipe was able to leave its original coastal bounds and gain popularity both domestically and abroad.

The addition of ouzo in the recipe gives the meal a distinctly regional flair while reflecting Greece’s long-standing anise-flavored alcohol history. Due to the impact of regional ingredients and tastes, each region has acquired its own minor variants.

 

Origin of the Recipe

While stewed calamari is a dish that is prevalent across Greece, this recipe is specific to the magical island of Hydra. Hydra, well-known for its charming port and car-free streets, has long been a refuge for authors, artists, and foodies alike. This wonderful meal embodies the spirit of Hydra’s marine past and is a product of the island’s deep-rooted seafood culinary traditions.

Cultural Significance

Greek culture, particularly that of coastal and island towns, places a particular emphasis on stewed calamari. It symbolizes the Greek way of cooking, which is to create spectacular feasts out of basic, regional products. This recipe is a perfect example of “meraki”—doing something with heart, imagination, and love.

In Hydra, as in all of Greece, stewed calamari is more than just a food item. It’s a celebration of the abundance of the sea, community, and family. This meal becomes even more crucial as a pleasant, seafood-based meat substitute during religious fasts, especially around Easter.

The recipe’s use of ouzo gives the meal a distinctively Greek flair and connects it to the nation’s popular anise-flavored aperitif. This relationship highlights the importance of meals in Greek social life, when food and drink combine to produce special moments.

Last Words

Hydra’s stewed calamari is more than simply a dish; it’s an exploration of island life and Greek culinary heritage. You are taking part in a centuries-old custom that links you to the sea, the Greek islands’ lively culture, and the fisherman as you cook and eat this delicacy.

Allow the flavors and fragrances to carry you away to a sun-drenched taverna with a view of the Aegean, whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just spoiling yourself. As you prepare, adopt the Greek philosophy of “siga siga” (slowly, slowly) and take your time, enjoying every meal as if you were eating on Hydra itself.

 

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