Cornish Squid Bolognese combines the rich essence of seafood with the classic comfort of traditional Italian Bolognese sauce. This dish is a delightful twist on the classic, bringing together the unique flavors of Cornish squid and a medley of Asian ingredients. Perfectly suited for a cozy dinner, this recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the coast of Cornwall while keeping the comfort of home cooking. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious meal!

Why You’ll Love This Cornish Squid Bolognese
This dish isn’t just another pasta sauce; it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Rich and complex flavors from fresh squid.
- Unique fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine.
- Quick to prepare – ready in about 50 minutes.
- Healthy alternative to traditional meat-based sauces.
- Great source of protein from squid and mushrooms.
- Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties.
With ingredients like sake and saikyo miso, you’ll find that this Cornish squid pasta sauce offers a depth of flavor that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients for Cornish Squid Bolognese
Gather these items:
- 10 oz squid, main body (Ensure it’s skinned and cleaned.)
- 7 1/16 oz squid, wings and tentacles (These parts add extra flavor.)
- 1/4 oz tomato purée (Adds sweetness and color.)
- 3 oz sake (Choose good quality.)
- 1 3/4 oz saikyo miso (Contributes richness and sweetness.)
- 1/4 oz soy sauce (Opt for tsukuri soy.)
- 2 1/8 pints filtered water (Use for best flavor.)
- 1/2 oz kombu (Infuses the broth.)
- 1/3 oz dried shiitake mushrooms (Provides an earthy note.)
- 2/3 oz bonito flakes (Enhances umami profile.)
- 1/4 oz light soy sauce (Adds flavor to dashi.)
- 1/4 oz Maldon salt (Seasons the dashi.)
- shiso leaves (Finely julienned.)
- 1 slice bottarga (Ideally toasted.)
- 1 pinch pink peppercorns (Adds spice and color.)
- 1 pinch sanshō (Adds unique zest.)
How to Make Cornish Squid Bolognese Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Prepare the squid by cleaning it thoroughly, ensuring no residual grit remains.
- Step 2: Sauté the main body of squid in a pan over medium heat until just cooked through.
- Step 3: Create the sauce by combining tomato purée, sake, and saikyo miso in the pan; let it simmer.
- Step 4: Prepare the dashi with kombu, shiitake mushrooms, and bonito flakes in filtered water.
- Step 5: Combine the sautéed squid and sauce with the dashi and allow to meld together for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cornish Squid Bolognese
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh squid for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially the soy sauce.
- Experiment with adding more vegetables like tomatoes for a richer sauce.
Best Ways to Serve Cornish Squid Bolognese
Enjoy your dish with:
- Fresh pasta, which complements the sauce beautifully.
- Crusty bread for dipping into the rich sauce.
- Steamed vegetables for a healthy balance.
This squid bolognese with tomatoes is a delightful way to elevate your dining experience.
How to Store and Reheat Cornish Squid Bolognese
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain the sauce’s consistency. This is a fantastic dish for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cornish Squid Bolognese
What’s the secret to perfect Cornish Squid Bolognese?
The secret lies in using fresh squid and allowing the flavors to meld during cooking. Proper preparation of the squid enhances the dish’s overall texture and flavor.
Can I make Cornish Squid Bolognese ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the squid shortly before serving for the best results.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cornish Squid Bolognese?
Avoid overcooking the squid, as it can become rubbery. Also, be mindful of seasoning, as the umami from the squid and dashi can enhance the dish significantly.
Variations of Cornish Squid Bolognese You Can Try
Here are some creative pasta bolognese variations:
- Substitute squid with other seafood like shrimp for a seafood bolognese.
- Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Incorporate herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh finish.
This dish can easily adapt to various dietary preferences and is a unique take on traditional bolognese with seafood!
For more delicious recipes, check out our Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler or Irresistible Peach Upside Down Mini Cakes. If you’re interested in healthy alternatives, you might also enjoy our Vegan Berry Crisp.
For more information on the health benefits of squid, you can visit Healthline.
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Irresistible Cornish Squid Bolognese You’ll Love Tonight
- Total Time: 50 min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Cornish squid ‘Bolognese’ delivers a unique flavor profile, perfect for a comfort meal with a twist.
Ingredients
- 10 oz squid, main body (Ensure it’s skinned and cleaned.)
- 7 1/16 oz squid, wings and tentacles (These parts add extra flavor.)
- 1/4 oz tomato purée (Adds sweetness and color.)
- 3 oz sake (Choose good quality.)
- 1 3/4 oz saikyo miso (Contributes richness and sweetness.)
- 1/4 oz soy sauce (Opt for tsukuri soy.)
- 2 1/8 pints filtered water (Use for best flavor.)
- 1/2 oz kombu (Infuses the broth.)
- 1/3 oz dried shiitake mushrooms (Provides an earthy note.)
- 2/3 oz bonito flakes (Enhances umami profile.)
- 1/4 oz light soy sauce (Adds flavor to dashi.)
- 1/4 oz Maldon salt (Seasons the dashi.)
- shiso leaves (Finely julienned.)
- 1 slice bottarga (Ideally toasted.)
- 1 pinch pink peppercorns (Adds spice and color.)
- 1 pinch sanshō (Adds unique zest.)
Instructions
- Prepare the squid.
- Sauté the main body.
- Create the sauce.
- Prepare the dashi.
- Combine and serve.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg