Squid and White Beans with Broken Noodles

Indulge in the delightful flavors of the sea with this quick and flavorful Squid and Bean Noodles recipe. The unique and briny taste of squid, along with the creaminess of cooked white beans, creates a harmonious combination that is both distinctive and delicious. The squid’s natural liquid infuses the dish with its distinct flavor, making additional stocks or wines unnecessary. This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes with cooked beans, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying and wholesome meal when you’re short on time. The broken egg noodles add a fun and rustic touch, providing the perfect texture to complement the tender squid and creamy beans. Get ready to savor the delightful taste of the sea with this Squid and Bean Noodles recipe!

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: 30 minutes with cooked beans

INGREDIENTS:

• Salt
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cups cooked or canned white beans with about a cup of their liquid
• 3/4 to 1 pound cleaned squid, cut up
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fish or chicken stock (or water if needed)
• 2 cups broken egg noodles (about 8 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add salt to it. This salted water will be used to cook the egg noodles later.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat half of the olive oil. When hot, add the cooked or canned white beans along with their liquid. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Add the cleaned and cut up squid to the beans, and season with a sprinkling of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer, and cook the squid and beans mixture, stirring occasionally, while you cook the noodles.
4. Cook the broken egg noodles in the boiling water until they reach a barely tender texture, which should take about 5 minutes. Drain the noodles and add them to the simmering beans and squid mixture.
5. Continue to cook the combination, stirring occasionally, until both the squid and noodles are tender, which should take about 3 minutes. If the dish seems too dry, add a little fish or chicken stock (or water) to adjust the consistency. However, avoid adding the liquid prematurely, as the squid will release a significant amount of liquid on its own.
6. As the dish nears completion, add the minced garlic and cook it just enough to take the edge off its rawness, ensuring it retains a strong flavor.
7. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful and briny flavors of the sea in this Squid and Bean Noodles dish.

TIPS:

• When purchasing squid, look for fresh, clean, and firm squid with a pleasant ocean smell. If using frozen squid, make sure it is fully thawed before cooking.
• Feel free to customize the dish by adding other herbs or spices that you enjoy. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick, or you can experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for additional layers of flavor.

This Squid and Bean Noodles recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the rich and distinctive flavors of squid paired with creamy white beans and tender egg noodles. The dish comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal with a touch of the sea. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or someone looking to explore new flavors, this recipe is sure to leave you delighted and yearning for more.