Linguine with Squid and Cilantro Basil Sauce is one of those recipes that reminds you of going to a beautiful Italian coastal town. The flavors of seafood, garlic, olive oil, butter and linguine and basil would be something you might find in a beautiful Italian restaurant perced on a mountain on the Amalfi Coast orItalian Riviera. This recipe is unique in that it has the addition of cilantro. The cilantro gives it a fresh flavor.
I’ve found in my experience as a Chef for weddings and special events, that a lot of people are not familiar with squid. If you have only had squid as calamari, you might be a little scared or turned off by eating it without being fried. It has a slightly chewy texture. I was going to show you a picture of a live squid. Then I thought “Would I show you a picture of a cute chicken before I give you a recipe for a chicken dish?” The answer is no so why a squid. If you want to see pictures of squid you can look them up here: “Cute Squid Pictures”
This Linguine with Squid and Cilantro Basil Sauce is so easy to make and quick! If you make it for company you will be out of the kitchen in no time. Just have all your ingredients handy like in the picture below and make it while your guests watch. They will be so impressed!!!
Cilantro, Basil, olive oil, butter, lemon, garlic, wine, tomatoes and salt and pepper combine to make a quick but rich sauce for the linguine and squid.
Puree the cilantro, basil, lemon and olive oil in the food processor to make a puree for the sauce.
Cilantro, Basil, olive oil, butter, lemon, garlic, wine, tomatoes and salt and pepper combine to make a quick but rich sauce for the linguine and squid.
LINGUINE WITH SQUID AND BASIL SAUCE
Ingredients:
8 ounces linguine
1 lb. frozen squid
One bunch basil, most for puree but save a little to julienne for the top of final dish.
1/2 bunch cilantro
3/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
Juice of half a lemon
2 large garlic cloves
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1 bottle white wine (1/2 cup for sauce, rest of bottle for drinking with final product)
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
Dash of salt and pepper
Preparation:
1. Thaw and slice squid into rings
2. Cook linguine.
3, Combine basil, lemon juice, olive oil in food processor and purée.
4, Melt 1 tablespoon butter into 1 tablespoon olive oil and over medium heat, add puree, zest in garlic cloves, add wine and red pepper flakes and simmer for several minutes.
5. Add squid and cook for 3 minutes, toss in linguine and finally, toss in tomatoes.
6. Add 1 tablespoon butter for richness.
7. Salt and pepper to taste, add 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, toss and place on platter or individual dishes.
8. Sprinkle with julienned basil on top.
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