Calamari and Beans

 

Eating a healthy diet that gives your body the energy it needs to  perform its best is easier than you think. The Greeks have been doing it for years without much fanfare until recently. What we call the Greek Island Diet is just their way of life. Greek island dwellers eat mostly goat’s milk cheese, seasonal vegetables, homemade bread and lots of beans. While they do eat some meat, it’s for special occasions. These foods combined with a laid-back attitude help them keep illness at bay and more importantly, live healthy and active lives. You can take the same approach to your lifestyle with a healthy diet and outlook.

Our white beans and calamari recipe will give you a taste of Greek life without leaving your kitchen. Protein rich great northern white beans and calamari rings are simmered with red wine and tomatoes for a simple Greek recipe that is big on taste. Calamari is the Italian word for squid and also describes all the different ways it can be prepared. You might think of calamari as the unhealthy restaurant appetizer — fried and served with marinara sauce, but it’s so much more. Calamari can also be cooked in stews or stuffed with olives. You can find cleaned and prepped calamari at most specialty grocery stores either fresh or frozen. Meaty eggplant and Kalamata olives round out the dish when served with a simple side salad. Garnish with feta cheese for a tangy finish.

 

Greek White Beans with Calamari

Ingredients

  • 2 cups onion, diced
  • 2 tbs olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine
  • 1 medium eggplant, cubed
  • 2 1/2 cups chopped canned tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup fresh oregano, minced plus 3 sprigs
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups Randall Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, finely chopped
  • 1 lb. calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
  • 1 tsp. fresh ground pepper
  • feta cheese, garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a sauté pan until shimmering  over medium high heat.  Add onions and cook until translucent.  Stir for a minute.  
  2. Add the wine and reduce until there is no more liquid.  Add the eggplant, tomatoes, Randall Beans, and olives, fresh oregano sprigs, water and fresh ground pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes or until eggplant is cooked through.  
  3. Add the calamari and cover.  Cook for an additional 3 - 4 minutes.  Remove fresh oregano sprigs.
  4. Adjust the seasoning, add minced oregano additional fresh oregano and lemon juice.
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This white bean recipe can be made with either Randall Great Northern Beans or the Randall Organic Great Northern Beans.

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