Tomato Braised Squid

Ingredients

• Squid (cleaned, cut into rings or pieces)
• Olive oil
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
• Chili flakes (optional)
• Paprika
• Bay leaf (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Sugar (a pinch, to balance acidity)
• Lemon juice (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Base

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Add tomato puree, chili flakes, paprika, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Add Squid

Add the squid to the sauce and mix well.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes until the squid becomes tender and absorbs the flavors. Stir occasionally.

Step 5: Finish

Remove the bay leaf, add fresh herbs, and a small squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Notes

• Unlike quick sauté, this method uses slow cooking to tenderize squid.
• The sauce will thicken naturally as it cooks.
• Great for batch cooking and reheats well.