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Instant Pot Meals

Squid in Its Own Ink

Tender squid stewed in a glossy black sauce of squid ink, tomato, onion, garlic, and paprika, the Basque classic calamares en su tinta.

Why you'll love Squid in Its Own Ink

Calamares en su tinta is a Basque classic: squid stewed slowly in its own ink with onion, tomato, and garlic until tender, in a sauce that is glossy black, briny, and deeply savory. It looks dramatic and tastes like the sea, and the pressure cooker makes the squid tender in minutes.

Squid is either cooked very quickly or for a long time; anything in between makes it rubbery. This recipe takes the long route, compressed by pressure: 10 minutes at high pressure turns the squid tender. The sauce starts with onions cooked slowly until sweet and soft, and the ink goes in at the end, so its briny flavor stays bright.

Serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini, with a squeeze of lemon.

Quick overview: This Squid in Its Own Ink takes 25 min of hands-on time and about 1 hr in all and makes 4 servings, each about 1 1/4 cups. You'll need an Instant Pot.

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Squid in black ink sauce with parsley and lemon
Prep 25 minCook 35 minTotal 1 hrServes 4Serving about 1 1/4 cupsYou'll need Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb cleaned squid, bodies cut into rings, tentacles left whole
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 3/4 cup crushed tomatoes Label: tomatoes, and salt if any
  • 1/2 cup chicken bone broth Label: chicken bones, water, vegetables, herbs, and salt, with no sugar, natural flavors, or oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 2 tsp squid ink (about 2 packets) Label: squid ink and salt
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • lemon wedges, to serve
  • Make it from scratch: Chicken Bone Broth

Instructions

  1. Cook the onions slowly: Set the Instant Pot to sauté, heat the olive oil, and cook the onions and bell pepper for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring, until very soft and sweet. Add the garlic and paprika for 1 minute.
  2. Add the squid: Add the squid and cook for 2 minutes, stirring.
  3. Add the liquid: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, and salt, scraping the bottom of the pot.
  4. Pressure-cook: Lock the lid and cook at high pressure for 10 minutes. Release the pressure quickly.
  5. Add the ink: Set to sauté. Whisk the squid ink with a few spoonfuls of the hot sauce, stir it into the pot, and simmer for 5 minutes, until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened.
  6. Serve: Discard the bay leaf and serve scattered with parsley, with lemon wedges.

Storage and leftovers

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently. Squid ink stains, so use dark or glass containers.

Variations

  • Cuttlefish: Use cuttlefish, cooking 15 minutes at pressure.
  • Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
  • Over zucchini: Serve over sautéed zucchini ribbons.
  • With aioli: Serve with a spoonful of garlicky avocado-oil mayonnaise.

Notes and tips

  • Cook the onions slowly: Sweet, soft onions are the base of the sauce.
  • Add the ink last: Its flavor stays bright.
  • Mind the stains: Squid ink stains clothes and counters; wipe spills right away.
  • Check the ink label: It should list squid ink and salt.

Nutrition and mindful eating

  • Squid brings protein, selenium, vitamin B12, and copper.
  • Squid ink adds a deep, briny savoriness and dramatic color.
  • Onions, peppers, and tomatoes bring sweetness, fiber, and vitamin C.
  • Olive oil is the real fat in the sauce.
  • As you eat, notice the briny, savory sauce and the tender squid, and pay attention to how trying something new can make a meal feel like an adventure.

Frequently asked questions

Have a question about this Squid in Its Own Ink? Start here, with the questions people ask most.

Where do I find squid ink?

At fish counters, specialty stores, or online, in small jars or packets.

Does it taste fishy?

It tastes briny and savory, like the sea, rather than fishy.

Why is my squid rubbery?

It needs more time. Cook a few minutes more at pressure.

What can I serve with it?

Cauliflower rice, zucchini ribbons, or a green salad.

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Tags: Instant Pot Meals, Spanish, Dairy-Free