Calamari Soup Recipe

If you’re a fan of seafood and enjoy trying new, bold flavors, calamari soup might just be your next culinary adventure. This rich, flavorful dish combines tender squid, aromatic herbs, and a variety of vegetables, resulting in a warm, comforting bowl that has the power to satisfy both your hunger and your taste buds. Think of it as a seafood lover’s version of a hearty, hearty soup but with an unmistakable Mediterranean flair. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is approachable and packed with flavors you won’t soon forget.

Now, don’t let the word calamari scare you-squid can be a tricky ingredient to work with, but when cooked right, it’s tender and absolutely delicious. And in soup, it becomes the star, soaking up all the aromatic goodness around it. If you’ve never tried calamari in soup form, you’re in for a treat.

In this guide, I’ll take you through a delicious calamari soup recipe from start to finish, with tips and tricks to elevate your cooking experience. Ready? Let’s dive into the deep, savory sea of flavors.

This calamari soup recipe blends the tender texture of calamari with rich, savory broth, infused with Mediterranean spices, garlic, and a touch of lemon to brighten up all the earthy flavors. What’s great about this recipe is its simplicity, yet it’s packed with depth. It’s perfect for those cozy nights when you want something comforting and satisfying but also unique and a little adventurous.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you need to get started on this mouthwatering dish. The ingredients come together beautifully, bringing both a hint of the ocean and the heartiness of a rich soup.

Fresh calamari: Around 1-1.5 pounds of squid, cleaned and sliced into rings. Calamari is the heart of this soup, and getting fresh squid will make all the difference.
Olive oil: 2-3 tablespoons for sautéing the vegetables and calamari. You’ll want a good quality olive oil for depth of flavor.
Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped. It’s the base of your soup’s flavor profile and helps build a rich foundation.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. The garlic brings an aromatic kick that will fill your kitchen with its enticing scent.
Carrots: 2 medium carrots, diced. The sweetness of the carrots adds a nice contrast to the savory broth.
Celery: 2-3 celery stalks, chopped. Celery adds a lovely crunch and freshness to the soup.
Tomatoes: 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes if fresh isn’t available). The tomatoes bring a mild acidity that balances the richness of the broth.
Broth: 4 cups of seafood or vegetable broth. Seafood broth works best here, but vegetable is a good substitute if you prefer a lighter option.
White wine: 1/2 cup. The wine gives a slight tang and enhances the seafood flavor.
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (plus lemon zest for garnish if you like). Lemon brightens up the soup with a zesty, refreshing note.
Fresh herbs: Fresh parsley (a handful), dill, and a bay leaf. These herbs will infuse the broth with a fragrant, earthy layer of flavor.
Spices: Salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Potatoes: Optional, but you can add 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced, for a more hearty and filling soup.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got everything prepped and ready to go, let’s dive into the cooking process. This part is all about building flavors and letting everything meld together.

Prepare the squid: If your calamari isn’t pre-cleaned, you’ll need to do that first. Remove the skin, pull out the internal parts, and cut the squid into rings or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Sauté the base: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant.
Garlic & tomatoes: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes aromatic. Then toss in your chopped tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes) and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and start to release their juices.
Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. This step adds a lovely depth to the soup’s flavor.
Add the broth: Pour in the seafood or vegetable broth, along with the bay leaf, and bring everything to a simmer. If you’re adding potatoes, toss them in now. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are starting to meld together.
Add the calamari: Gently stir in your calamari. The squid will cook quickly, so let it simmer for just 5-7 minutes until it becomes tender. Be careful not to overcook it, or it’ll become rubbery.
Season and finish: Stir in the lemon juice, and add salt, pepper, and any additional herbs to taste. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley and dill over the top for added freshness.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with a slice of crusty bread on the side. You can also garnish with extra lemon zest or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this calamari soup plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors.

Calamari: Fresh calamari is the star, providing a sweet, delicate flavor and a tender texture when cooked right. It’s also full of protein and low in fat, making it a healthy addition to your meal.
Olive oil: Olive oil serves as the base fat for sautéing the vegetables, but it also adds a layer of richness and a slightly fruity flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and dill are not only aromatic but also cut through the richness of the broth, offering a burst of freshness with every spoonful.
Lemon: The acid from lemon juice balances the rich, savory elements of the soup, while the zest adds a citrusy punch that brightens up the overall flavor profile.

Expert Tips

Don’t overcook the calamari: Squid cooks fast-overcooking it will make it tough and rubbery. Aim for no more than 5-7 minutes of simmering in the broth.
Use homemade broth if you can: If you have the time, homemade seafood broth makes this soup even more decadent. Just simmer shrimp shells, fish bones, and vegetables with water, and you’ll have a rich, flavorful base.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Depending on your preference, you might like to add a little extra lemon juice or pepper flakes for added zing. Taste as you go to ensure it’s perfect.
Don’t skip the wine: It helps to elevate the flavor of the soup and enhances the seafood profile. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with a splash of vinegar for acidity.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Calamari Soup: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. This works wonderfully with the natural sweetness of the calamari.
Tomato-based version: If you love a more tomato-forward flavor, you can increase the amount of crushed tomatoes or add a can of tomato paste for a richer base.
Vegetarian version: Swap the calamari for mushrooms like cremini or shiitake, which offer a hearty texture and umami flavor. You can also make it a more vegetable-forward soup by increasing the carrots, celery, and potatoes.
Herb variations: If you prefer other herbs, try thyme or rosemary, which give the soup a more earthy, rustic flavor.

Final Words

This calamari soup is one of those recipes that brings comfort and excitement to the table at the same time. It’s a celebration of Mediterranean flavors, from the richness of olive oil to the brightness of lemon, the depth of herbs, and the tender calamari that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, it’s an easy yet impressive dish that will delight any seafood lover.

Calamari Soup Recipe