You must have tried many versions of pasta, right from Arrabbiata (red sauce) to Alfredo (white sauce). You would’ve even had pasta in Ragu, Pesto or Aglio e Olio sauce, but have you ever had a bite of pasta in black squid ink? A delicacy called squid ink pasta has become a popular choice amongst experimental foodies. The delicious dish has pasta tossed in black squid ink in it. Squid ink, otherwise known as cephalopod ink, is an extremely dark brown ink, which looks almost jet black and is produced by a squid, when it feels threatened. The squid ink serves as a defense mechanism for the squid, helping the animal escape from predators by obscuring their view.
The use of this black ink to make food can be found in delicacies in Japanese, Italian and Mediterranean cuisines. Melanin is present in the squid ink in great quantity and it is melanin that lends the ink a dark colour. A plate of pasta tossed in squid ink looks jet black and many people enjoy having squid ink pasta with baby squids. Squid ink is said to have multiple health benefits. The ink is said to have many antioxidants and boosts immunity. Moreover, squid ink is claimed to reduce stomach ulcers and blood pressure. Interestingly, squid ink has been used in Chinese medicine from years to cure cardiac issues.
Source: Black Squid Ink Pasta
If you would like to taste the squid ink, you can find jars of squid ink in special gourmet stores. You could also order the squid ink stained pasta online. The taste of squid ink is described as neutral, and slightly Umami. More than it’s taste, squid ink is used as an ingredient in dishes for its vibrant visual appeal and colour. Apart from pasta, squid ink is also used to cook black rice. Some culinary artists make use of squid ink as an ingredient in desserts as well. The best shaped of pastas to try out with squid ink are the spaghetti and fettuccine.
If you’re in doubt regarding this unusual ingredient, it’s quite understandable. However, squid ink is very safe to consume and it enhances the flavour of dishes. As the ink is used in really small portions, it may not be able to offer the many health benefits it promises, however, it’ll lend the much needed pizzaz to your dish, taking the flavour up a notch. Do you want to try your hands at making pasta in black squid ink? Here’s a easy recipe that you could begin with:
Black Squid Ink Pasta
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Five hundred grams of squid ink pasta (order online)
- Five hundred grams of medium prawns
- One third cup of chopped tomato
- Twelve medium scallops
- Half teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Three sliced garlic cloves
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Half a cup of chopped fresh parsley leaves
- Lemon juice
Method:
- Heat olive oil in a wok over medium heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for 2 minutes on each side. Remove to a bowl. Reheat oil in the wok and cook the scallops 3 minutes each side. Remove the scallops unto the bowl with the shrimp and add the garlic to the wok. Cook, stirring often, until the garlic is golden. Add the salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, tomato, and parsley. Add the lemon juice and butter and put the seafood in the wok.
- Cook the pasta in a separate pot. Drain well and put the cooked pasta in to the wok along with the seafood. Mix and toss well, and serve immediately.
