This easy and quick Mediterranean calamari risotto is perfect for today’s busy cook! Packed with traditional Mediterranean flavours like cherry tomatoes, black olives, fresh parsley, extra virgin olive oil, and of course fresh calamari. This unconventional seafood risotto is just as delicious as traditionally prepared risotto, except for the fact that it is quicker and relatively easier to prepare – all without compromising the delicious fresh flavours reminiscent of the Mediterranean.
Living on a Mediterranean island means I am no stranger to calamari, let alone every other sea creature that resides in the ocean. I’ve had my fare share of calamari, in fact, I have eaten if for days at a time. It goes without saying that I love calamari! What is usually a fancy ingredient on Italian or Greek restaurant menus, is actually quite attainable and easily prepared for the average at-home chef. If the sight or the idea of gutting a calamari scares you, but you love the flavour, simply ask your local fishmonger to clean it up and do the dirty work for you!
Quick and risotto really don’t go hand in hand when it comes to preparing an authentic dish. Opting for some quick tricks can help you spare some time in the kitchen, yet still ensure the final dish is just as flavourful and as the original. The easiest trick in the book? Using pre-cooked arborio rice. The second easiest trick? Prepare the calamari in a pan and create a flavourful, soupy broth that will get soaked up by all the rice once combined.
This easy, quick risotto may have few ingredients in it, but if you choose them wisely – fresh and local, the overall flavour is a palate-pleaser – sweet, tender calamari cooked in a light broth of sweet onion, tangy capers, tart cherry tomatoes, and bitter olives, and combined with starchy Italian rice that adds texture and creaminess. This recipe is a winner, and one your entire family will enjoy!
If you try this recipe (and love it!) be sure to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram with #bitesforfoodies so I can see your creation!
These look beautiful – great idea.
Oooh this risotto sounds absolutely amazing. thanks for sharing! Hugs and love xox
Thanks so much! Hope you try it!
My favorite things in one dish! We love risotto and always look for ways to pair it, I can’t believe I never thought to add seafood. Calamari sounds like a delicious addition to risotto.
You had me at “risotto”. OMG this just looks so good, more so because I’m into seafood! I have never tried cooking risotto for myself though, so maybe now’s the time to try.
I’ve always been scared to try risotto, but this recipe actually sounds easy! I’m not a huge calamari fan but my husband loves it. Maybe I can make this as a special treat for his birthday coming up.
For some reason it’s just one of those recipes that scare people, when it’s really not that difficult to prepare. This version is so much easier…I’m sure he’d be surprised (and love!) this if you prepared it for him for his birthday!
Wow! What a great risotto. I love that my kids like risotto because it is one of my favorite. I’m not sure if my kids would enjoy the calamari but I sure would! YUM!
My sons love them, my daughter not so much! I cut them big enough so I can just take hers out before serving 😉