Squid in ink is one of the most traditional and popular dishes in the Iberian Peninsula. In Spanish cuisine it is a very typical dish anywhere in the country. That is why there is a special book if recipes for squid in ink. Gastronomic Spain is going to show you the most popular ones so that you can enjoy them at home. We are sure that you will amaze your guests! Here you can see our entire offer of squid at a good price.
Here we go!
What are squid in ink?
First of all, we must situate ourselves and therefore know exactly what squids really are. Well, squids, in gastronomy in general, are a very popular food in many parts of the world, especially in Spain. Squids‘ body is called mantle and it can be stuffed or cut.
The most popular way to prepare squids is by cutting them into rings and dipping them in batter. Though they are also popular grilled, stuffed, stewed… And the ones we are going to focus on: squid in ink.
Squid in ink is a dish made with small pieces of squid, including tentacles, but in this case cooked in its own ink. The squid in ink dish usually takes some time to be prepared and that is why in Spain it is common to find squid in ink already prepared in supermarkets. Gastronomic Spain also offers you squid in ink. Here I present one of the best squid in its ink that you can find in the market, in a robust glass jar and made from Navarra.
Squid ink is a kind of dark pigment detached by some cephalopods. They use the squid ink as an invasion strategy. All cephalopods are able to emit this pigment, which is popularly called ink. That is the reason why, besides finding squid in ink, we can also find in Gastronomic Spain’s online shop the cuttlefish stuffed with ink.
Cuttlefish stuffed with in ink: the best alternative to squid in ink
In fact, cuttlefish are small squids. They are named cuttlefish to differentiate them from the squids. Cuttlefish stuffed with ink is one of the most typical dishes in Spain, as well as squid in ink. Composition and characteristics are the same, but the size of the mollusc changes. Therefore, in any Spanish bar or tavern, it will be very common to find, both cuttlefish and squid in ink. Delightful, juicy, and perfect for an ideal aperitif.
Squid in ink recipes
Now, we are going to show you different recipes, in which the squid in ink will be one of the main ingredients. At Gastronomic Spain, we are sure that, in addition to the fact that the squid in ink are delicious, they are also very versatile and can be adapted to any recipe you want to prepare.
Squid in ink with white rice If you are a white rice lover and you also love squid in ink, this recipe and combination of both products will be a pleasure for your taste buds, even for the most exquisite palates.
How to prepare squid in ink with white rice:
First, clean the squid so that they are ready and perfect for consumption. In a pot on a low heat with a little oil, add garlic, onion and pepper (previously chopped). Sauté the onion until it is transparent. Wash the parsley and chop its leaves. Then put it in a bowl with the squid ink and a couple of tablespoons of water. Stir until the ink dissolves. Watch out, you could stain!
Add white wine to the pot where the vegetables are and raise the temperature (2-3 min) Add fish stock and tomato sauce. Also add the mixture of ink and parsley and cook it for 10 minutes all together.
Add the squids to the pot and let it cook with the sauce until the squids in ink are tender. On the other hand, boil the rice until it is ready to serve. This dish is the perfection: it combines the traditional white rice with the delicious squids in ink.
Spaghettis with squid in ink
In the podium of the combined dishes with squid, we find pasta with squid in ink, especially the spaghettis. A simple, easy, economical and elegant dish that will surprise your guests.
How to prepare pasta with squid in its ink:
Chop the onion and garlic. Heat a frying pan with a little oil and fry the vegetables. Once the vegetables are done to your liking, add the squid (previously cleaned). Then add white wine with the stock and the tomato puree. Stir and let the flavours mix. Reduce the sauce to a low heat for 25 minutes.
On the other hand, put water and salt in a pot, and boil the spaghettis. Once spaghettis are al dente, drain and reserve. Once the sauce has been reduced enough, add the pasta.
Turn off the fire and it is ready to be served. Undoubtedly, squid in ink with spaghettis is a recipe with a taste of the sea. It is perfect for enjoying with friends.
Where can you buy squid in ink outside Spain?
We are aware that if you live outside of Spain it is very difficult to find good-quality and affordable squids in their ink. In order to that, in the online shop of Gastronomic Spain you will find the best squids in ink at an unbeatable price. In addition to the squids in ink, you will also find a large section of cuttlefish in ink or even octopus.
But if you want to fill up your pantry with cold meat or other typical products of the Spanish cuisine, the Gastronomic Spain online shop will be your best ally. FREE shipping to all countries of the European Union, with orders over 79’99€. It couldn’t be better. Do not wait any longer. With your first purchase you will receive a very delicious gift!
