Greek Recipe-Squid in Basil and Tomato Sauce - The Best from Greece

Posted on: 15/Jun/2011 Worshipping Basil

Despite it's presence in Mediteranean cuisine especially Greek and Italian basil (vasilikos in Greek) hails from India where it is still used by Hindus in worshipping rituals to the gods Vishnu and Krishna. In Greece it is used by priests to prepare holy water. According to the ancient physicians Hippocrates and Dioscorides basil has pharmaceutical and healing properties. In ancient Egypt it was used in embalming. The Romans saw it as a symbol of love. The Greeks a symbol of death. In Greece and other southern mediteranean countries basil is endowed with magical qualities and is believed to ward off evil spirits.

Squid Defrosting Tip

To defrost squid or indeed any other kind of seafood quickly and painlessly, immerse in a bowl of tepid water. Change the water two or three times intil the seafood softens.The process should normally take about 15 minutes.

Ingredients

1 package whole frozen squid (each package usually weighs about 1 kg)
60 ml olive oil
2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of sugar
4 medium sized tomatoes finely chopped
25 whole black kalamata olives
3 tablespoons basil leaves, washed and dried

Preparation

After defrosting the squid, separate the tentacles from the body into three or four rings. Place the rings and tenticles in a sieve and wash well, Strain, salt and place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Take a saucepan and use it to saute the onions in olive oil and add the squid when soft. Saute for 2 minutes mixing the ingreadients with a wooden spatula, add sugar, mix and continue sauteing until the squid is light brown. Add the tomatoes, olives and basil, stirring quickly. Cook for about 3 minutes and remove from heat. Serve immediately, with rice or a selection of steamed vegatables.

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