Braised Squid with Harissa, Tomato, and Green Olives
Squid slowly braised in a rich tomato and harissa sauce with briny green olives, delivering a fragrant and hearty Mediterranean dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 60 minutes pairs whole squid cleaned and cut into rings, olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb whole squid cleaned and cut into rings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and halved
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp harissa paste and cook for 1 minute to release its aroma. Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices and 3/4 cup water, stirring well.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb cleaned squid rings, 1/2 cup halved green olives, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and braise on low heat for 40 minutes until squid is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro on top, and serve warm with crusty bread or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Braised Squid with Harissa, Tomato, and Green Olives take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Braised Squid with Harissa, Tomato, and Green Olives?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Squid with Harissa, Tomato, and Green Olives?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Braised Squid with Harissa, Tomato, and Green Olives for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Braised Squid with Harissa, Tomato, and Green Olives?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
