Slow cook squid with paprika, tomato and pinto beans for a robust one-pot meal filled with tender shellfish. Serve with garlic bread on the side
Prep:15 mins
Serves 4
175g dried pinto bean, soaked overnight2 large onions, 1 halved, 1 finely chopped4 carrots, peeled, 1 left whole, 3 cut into rounds4 sticks of celery, 2 halved, 2 diced1 bay leaf2 tbsp olive oil, plus 2 tsp4 garlic cloves, 3 finely chopped, 1 left whole800g prepared squid and tentacles, cleaned and the body cut into thick rings, the wings halved, tentacles left whole1 tbsp tomato purée1 thyme sprig680g jar passata500g pot fresh chicken stock2 thick slices of brown bread, cut into quarters diagonally¼ tsp smoked sweet paprikawilted greens, to serve (optional)
STEP 1Drain the pinto beans, rinse in water and put in a large saucepan. Add the halved onion, whole carrot and halved celery sticks, then cover with water and add the bay leaf. Bring to the boil, skim off any scum, turn down the heat and simmer until totally tender, for around 1 hr. When done, drain, discarding the bay leaf and cooked veg. Put the beans to one side until ready to use.STEP 2Meanwhile, heat a flameproof casserole dish with 2 tbsp oil. Toss in the remaining onion, carrot, celery and the chopped garlic. Fry gently for 15 mins until the vegetables are tender. Stir through the squid, tomato purée and thyme sprig. Cook for a min or two, then pour over the passata and chicken stock. Bring to the boil, turn down the heat, pop on the lid and simmer for 45 mins, stirring occasionally. Take off the lid and cook down for 30 mins.STEP 3Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Stir the beans into the squid and cook until the squid is totally tender and the sauce has thickened. Meanwhile, put the bread on a baking sheet. Mix the remaining oil with paprika and seasoning, then drizzle over the bread and put it in the oven, cooking for a few mins each side until golden and crisp. Rub the oil side with the whole garlic clove. Scatter parsley over the stew and serve with the garlic toasts and some wilted greens, if you like.
