This dish is perfect for easy entertaining. The orzo kind of looks like rice, but is actually a pasta that cooks in 8 minutes. I think the only time consuming step might be cleaning the calamari.

This recipe is a perfect combination of sweet, sour and spicy. Serve it with some parmesan cheese.

Recipe

Spicy Calamari Orzo

Yield: 4 servings

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 cup diced onion

4 minced garlic cloves

3 tablespoons minced thyme

1/4 cup small diced carrots

28 oz / 800 gr whole canned tomatoes, chopped

salt to taste

water

1 tablespoon salt

2 cups orzo

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons pine nuts

2 tablespoons chopped dates

1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

1/4 cup chopped olives

2 pounds /1 k cleaned squid, cut into 1/4 inch rounds

pepper to taste

parmesan to taste

1. Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the onion and carrot and cook for 10 minutes or until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Add thyme and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

2. Meanwhile, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Set up an ice bath. Cook the orzo for 4 minutes, drain and immediately plunge into ice bath. Once cooled, set aside to dry.

3. Heat a large sauté pan and add the olive oil, add pine nuts, dates and red pepper flakes and sauté for 2 minutes or until the pine nuts are just golden brown.

4. add olives, tomato sauce, prepared orzo and bring to a boil.

5. Add the calamari, stir to mix and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until busted cooked through and completely opaque.

6. Season with salt and pepper and serve with parmesan.