I absolutely love Calamari but it's not often that I make it, mainly because it's one of those things that if you don't buy already cleaned and ready to cook, it is time consuming.

But once in a while, I don't mind.

I came up with this recipe earlier because what I originally had in mind was to fry the calamari rings, but I didn't feel like fried food and wanted something more of a stew, so this is what I came up with. So good!



1 lb calamari clean and cut into bite size pieces
1 medium onion, sliced
olive oil
1 packet mushroom/onion beef soup
1 bottle of beer
salt and pepper
paprika
garlic powder
1 small can of tomato sauce

In a large skillet add a little bit of olive oil, the calamari and the onion.


Cook for a few minutes, then add the remaining ingredients and cover. Simmer on medium to low heat for about 45 minutes or until calamari is tender.


Keep an eye on it and stir it once in a while, making sure there's enough liquid in there, if need be, add a little bit of water at a time.

When the calamari is ready, check to see if it's too watery, if it is, you can just dissolve some cornstarch in a little bit of water, add it to the skillet and stir constantly until the gravy is thickened.


I served mine with Garlic mashed potatoes and I also sprinkled some parsley on top.

One of my favorite favorite things on earth is calamari, squid, octopus etc......any and all of those. Back in South Africa one of my favorite dishes growing up was this stew that my Stepmom, Nela, used to make....I crave it so often and for the longest time I couldn't find good calamari.

I was so happy to find it at the base commissary so for dinner tonight I decided to make it. The kids don't really like it that much but Curt and I love it and when he walked in from work this afternoon he went straight to the stove and stood there, inhaling the wonderful aroman while it cooked away. LOL

Are you in the mood for some??? Alright let me show you how I make it.




2 lbs calamari
1 large onion, sliced
1 green pepper, sliced
1 large tomato sliced or 1 can of diced tomatoes
olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
garlic
paprika
bay leaf
cubed potatoes


In a pot you are going to add some olive oil and then layer, sliced onions...

Sliced green pepper

Usually you use thinly sliced tomatoes, but this time I used a can of diced tomatoes, add half a can

Now add your calamari (squid whatever) I cleaned mine out and cut it into pieces.


Next we add one bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste, garlic powder and paprika


Add another layer of onions, green peppers and tomatoes


One handful of cilantro, just chop it up roughly


So pretty isn't it??? Wait until it starts cooking away on the stove.....Lordy it's wonderful


Simmer on medium heat until onion and green pepper is tender.....

Add the cubed potatoes and some water to just barely cover them......simmer again for another 20 to 25 minutes or until potatoes are cooked through. Just keep an eye on it and stir it once in a while so it doesn't stick



Enjoy! If you try it out, let me know what you thought :)