Mediterranean Calamari Squid Rings – an easy calamari rings recipe cooked in one pot only (no frying whatsoever). Greek-style quick and light dinner (approx. 30 minutes) that is perfect on a hot summer day. Frozen calamari squid rings, cooked in silky tomato sauce on the stove top with Kalamata olives and Mediterranean herbs.
Like many people who live through hot summers, the thought of having the oven work for ages is enough to put me off cooking. If you are just like me, fear not my friend, I’ve got just the recipe – a Mediterranean dish with calamari rings, tomato sauce and olives. Not just any calamari rings, but frozen Greek calamari (because it’s easier that way really).
If you ever wondered if calamari rings can be cooked any other way than deep-fried, well my recipe is proves it absolutely can – and it’s pretty delicious too. A cooking pot, handful of pantry staples and 30 minutes of your time, and voila dinner is served.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Frozen Calamari squid rings – I’m using Greek calamari rings, deep frozen with a glaze. Fresh squid can be used too, but it needs to be cleaned and cut in rings first.
- Tomato sauce – I like to use high quality pasta sauce with herbs (like basil, etc.)
- Kalamata olives – pitted is best
- Oregano – fresh or dried oregano works too
- Sea salt and black pepper – to taste as always
How to prepare Calamari Rings on the stove top?
1st: Transfer frozen calamari rings into a large cooking pot with lid, drizzle with olive oil and simmer until the water evaporates. Add more olive oil as needed.
2nd: Add in the tomato sauce and olives and let simmer under a lid until rings are fully cooked. Season with oregano, salt and pepper to taste. Serve.
Best tips
Do not cook for too long: Cooking the calamari rings for too long usually hardens the squid. In my experience approx. 10-15 minutes simmering time should be enough.
Ingredients: Use good quality tomato sauce with herbs or chopped vegetables in it to deepen the flavor.
Cooking pan: Use the lid on your cooking pan to let the steam stay inside. That helps the dish to be more juicy at the end.
What to serve with Calamari Rings?
Mediterranean Calamari Squid Rings (easy!)
Equipment
- 1 tall sauce pan with lid
Ingredients
- 500 g calamari rings, frozen
- 250 g pasta sauce, high quality
- 100 g kalamata olives, pitted
- 4 tbsp. olive oil, extra virgin
- 2 tbsp. oregano, fresh
- sea salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- First, place frozen calamari squid rings into a large cooking pan with lid. Drizzle with the olive oil and let simmer until the water evaporates from the pan.
- Next, add the tomato sauce, kalamata olives and let simmer for approx.10 minutes or until squid is cooked.
- Then, sprinkle with oregano, sea salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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This recipe was delicious. I’m glad I found your website.
Thank you Leila for the kind words 🙂