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.
Order the Freshest Seafood
for Inspired Recipes
Seafood is Citarella owner Joe Gurrera’s passion. With a lifetime of experience, he brings the finest seafood in the world to your table. Fresh, never frozen and all from sources with whom Joe has had trusted relationships for years. You’ll taste the difference excellence makes in your favorite recipes, so visit our seafood website and order your fresh catch today!
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
