Kalamari Gemista

Kalamari Gemista is a delightful Greek dish featuring tender squid stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and vegetables. This vegetarian adaptation highlights the flavors of Greece while providing a satisfying main course for any meal.

Ingredients

• Squid (cleaned) - 400 grams
• Short-grain rice - 100 grams
• Onion (finely chopped) - 1 medium
• Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
• Tomato (diced) - 1 medium
• Fresh parsley (chopped) - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh dill (chopped) - 1 tablespoon
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Vegetable broth - 250 ml
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1/2 teaspoon

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
3. Add the diced tomato and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the rice, vegetable broth, parsley, dill, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is almost cooked.
5. Remove the rice mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Stuff each cleaned squid with the rice mixture, filling them about three-quarters full to allow for expansion during cooking.
7. Place the stuffed squid in a baking dish. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and lemon juice.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the tops.
10. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber from the vegetables and herbs, promoting digestive health.
• Low in cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy option.

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