Squid Bolognese
This ingenious squid Bolognese recipe from Pierre Koffmann was inspired by his travels, the chef says: "I was on a trip to Tarbes (South West France) when I discovered a dish called “Squid Carbonara”. I thought to myself if someone could make a carbonara from squid, why not a Bolognese. And so the idea for Squid Bolognese was born." It has become a signature starter on menus at The Berkeley.
Ingredients
- 3 squid , body, tentacles and wings separated
- 50g of shallots , finely chopped
- 80g of garlic , finely chopped
- 1 bouquet garni, small
- 25g of flat-leaf parsley , finely chopped, plus 1 tbsp to serve
- 20g of tomato purée
- 50ml of brandy
- 150ml of white wine
- 1 pinch of chilli flakes
- 75g of butter , softened
- 25g of Parmesan , grated
- olive oil
- salt
- black pepper , freshly ground
Equipment
- Vacuum bag and machine
Method
1
To prepare the squid, chop the squid tentacles and wings until very fine. Cut the squid bodies in half lengthways, flatten out and stack one half on top of the other in vacuum-pack bags and seal. Freeze the squid bodies in the bags for at least two hours, or until frozen solid
- 3 squid , body, tentacles and wings separated
2
Heat a frying pan until hot, add a dash of olive oil and the chopped tentacles and wings. Cook over a medium heat until all of the liquid comes out. Drain the squid mince, discarding the liquid
- olive oil
4
Add the cooked chopped squid, parsley and tomato purée to the frying pan and cook for 5-10 minutes
- 25g of flat-leaf parsley , finely chopped, plus 1 tbsp to serve
- 20g of tomato purée
5
Add the brandy and cook until it has reduced in volume, add the wine and reduce by half again
- 50ml of brandy
- 150ml of white wine
6
Add the chilli flakes and top up the pan with water, until just covering the pan contents. Bring the pan up to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until the squid is tender and the volume of liquid has reduced. Check the seasoning - add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pinch of chilli flakes
- salt
- black pepper
7
Just before serving, bring a pan of water up to the boil. Take the frozen squid bodies out of the freezer and remove from the vacuum-pack bags. Thinly slice the frozen squid bodies into 2mm thick slices. Drop the squid slices into the boiling water and cook for 10-15 seconds
9
To serve, spoon the squid slices into serving bowls and spoon the ragout on top. Finish with some grated Parmesan and chopped parsley
- 25g of Parmesan , grated
- black pepper
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Squid Bolognese
