Lentil-Stuffed Squid
SERVES: 4-6
PREP TIME: 20 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 40 minutes
COURSE: Entrée
Fresh local squid are the star of this dish, stuffed with a spicy lentil mixture and topped with a unique date sauce that is bright, sweet, sour and a little bit spicy. Enjoy our signature fresh Citarella products with an inspired custom menu featuring seafood recipes like the one below and in-home chef services provided by the Culinistas. Contact concierge@citarella.com for more details.
Ingredients
- 8 dates, pitted
- 1 TB lime zest
- ¼ cup lime juice, divided
- 1 tsp urfa, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup + 2 TB olive oil, divided
- ½ cup cilantro, finely chopped, divided, plus more for garnish
- 1 cup black lentils
- 1 serrano chili, divided
- 1 tsp solstice blend
- ½ tsp cayenne
- 1 tsp cumin, ground
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 lb squid, bodies only
- Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cover dates in warm water for 10 mins; strain water & reserve 2-3 TB.
- Make the date sauce: In a high speed blender, blend dates, lime zest & 2 TB juice, urfa, 2 TB date water & 2 TB oil; fold in ¼ cup cilantro. Season with salt & pepper.
- In a large pot of 3 cups boiling water, cook lentils with ½ serrano & solstice blend, 30-40 mins. Discard chili, drain & cool. Stir in remaining 2 TB lime juice & season with salt & pepper.
- Mince remaining serrano. In a large bowl, mix minced serrano with lentils, remaining ¼ cup cilantro, cayenne, cumin, onion powder & 2 TB oil. Season with salt & pepper.
- Stuff squid bodies with lentil mixture. In a large pan over medium high heat, sear stuffed squid bodies with remaining 2 TB oil, 3 mins per side. Cool & cut on a bias.
- Spoon date sauce onto a large serving plate & nestle squid on top. Garnish with cilantro & urfa.
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Chef Tips
Technique:
- It might be a good idea to seal up the open side of the squid body with a toothpick before searing to result in a lentil pocket. After searing, cut in half on a bias, remove toothpick and place the cut side facing up, resting on the sauce.
Taste:
- Date sauce should be bright, sweet, sour & a little spicy.
Dietary & Allergen Info:
Dairy Free
Gluten Free
