Garlicky Grilled Squid with Marinated Peppers

Ingredients for Garlicky Grilled Squid with Marinated Peppers

• 50g coarsely chopped blanched hazelnuts or almonds

• 2 tablespoons plus 120ml extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• Kosher salt

• 4 large red peppers

• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon hot smoked Spanish paprika

• 3 garlic cloves, divided

• 675g cleaned squid, bodies and tentacles separated

• 1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced

• 240ml mint leaves, torn if large

• 1/2 lemon

How to make Garlicky Grilled Squid with Marinated Peppers

Preheat oven to 177°C. Toast hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, 7–10 minutes. Let cool, then crush nuts using the side of a chef’s knife or coarsely chop. Transfer to a small bowl. Mix in 2 tablespoons oil and season with salt. Set aside.

Prepare a grill for high heat and place a wire rack on one side, orienting it perpendicular to grill grate. Place peppers directly on grate (not on wire rack) and grill, turning occasionally, until charred all over and flesh is very soft, 8–10 minutes.

Transfer peppers to a medium bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let sit 10–20 minutes (doing this extends the cooking and softens the skins). Remove skins from peppers and scoop out seeds; discard. Tear or slice peppers into large pieces and place in a clean medium bowl. Add vinegar, paprika, and 60ml oil and finely grate 1 garlic clove into bowl. Season with salt and toss well to coat peppers.

Return grill to high heat. Finely grate remaining 2 garlic cloves into a large bowl; stir in remaining 60ml oil. Pat squid dry, then add to oil mixture; toss well to coat. Working in batches, grill squid on wire rack on grill until marks appear on bodies and tentacles begin to crisp around the edges, 45–60 seconds per side. Transfer to a clean large bowl and season with salt.

Place onion and mint in a small bowl. Finely grate zest from lemon half over, then squeeze in juice. Season with salt and toss to combine.

Divide marinated peppers and squid among plates. Spoon hazelnuts over and top with mint salad.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.