When I first tried Giada’s Spicy Calamari Stew, I knew it was going to be a regular cozy favorite. It’s warm, spicy, and just a little bit rustic, with calamari that’s tender and flavorful. The tomato and wine broth has a rich, savory depth that fills your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma.

This dish is practically begging to be paired with some garlic toast, and trust me, you don’t want to skip it. I like to make the stew a day ahead when I can—the flavors seem to come together even more, and it tastes even better the next day.

Recipe Ingredients

For the Calamari Stew:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and halved
• 2 cups dry white wine
• 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds calamari (squid), bodies thinly sliced, tentacles kept whole

For the Garlic Toast:

• 4 to 6 slices of rustic Italian bread
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• 2 to 3 whole garlic cloves, peeled

How To Make Giada Spicy Calamari Stew With Garlic Toasts

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F, ensuring it reaches temperature for perfectly crisp toasts.
2. Start the Stew Base: In a medium pot, warm the olive oil over low heat. Add the halved garlic cloves, stirring frequently until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Build the Flavor: Increase the heat to medium and slowly pour in the white wine, letting it cook for 1 minute. Then add the tomato sauce, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer and Cook the Calamari: Once the stew reaches a simmer, let it cook for 8 minutes to let the flavors meld. Stir in the calamari and cook just until the stew comes back to a simmer, and the squid turns opaque, about 2 minutes.
5. Prepare the Garlic Toast: While the stew is simmering, drizzle the bread slices with olive oil. Place them in the preheated oven, toasting until crisp and golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.
6. Finish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and rub each toast with a peeled garlic clove. Serve the hot garlic toasts immediately with the calamari stew for a perfect pairing.

Recipe Tips

• Add Fresh Herbs: For a burst of flavor, add a handful of fresh basil or parsley just before serving the stew. It brightens the dish and complements the spicy and garlicky notes.
• Try Different Bread: Swap rustic Italian bread with sourdough or a baguette for your garlic toast. The texture of these breads holds up well and soaks up the rich broth beautifully.
• Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder stew, reduce the red pepper flakes. For a bolder kick, add a finely chopped fresh chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Experiment with Wine: Dry white wine is ideal, but if you don’t have any, substitute it with chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity and depth.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Recipes:

• Giada Hearty Tomato Soup with Lemon and Rosemary
• Giada Easy Italian White Bean, Pancetta, and Tortellini Soup
• Giada White Bean and Escarole Soup