Cuttlefish & Green Peas | A Southern Italian Classic

A rustic seafood dish from Southern Italy, blending tender cuttlefish with sweet green peas in a delicate tomato sauce. Light, comforting, and full of coastal flavors.

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About This Dish

This dish brings back childhood memories of Sundays spent by the sea in Southern Italy. Cuttlefish and green peas are a perfect match — tender seafood with the sweetness of peas, gently simmered in a light tomato sauce. A true symbol of simplicity and elegance in Italian coastal cuisine.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

Cuttlefish:	300 g (≈ 10 oz), cleaned
Green Peas:	150 g (≈ 1 cup)
Tomato Passata:	150 g (≈ ½ cup)
Garlic:	1 clove
White Wine:	½ glass
Olive Oil:	2 tbsp
Salt & Black Pepper:	To taste
Fresh Parsley:	For garnish

How to Make It

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 40 mins

Step 1: Clean cuttlefish by removing the beak and ink sac, then slice into strips.
Step 2: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until golden, then remove it.
Step 3: Add cuttlefish and cook for 3–4 minutes until it turns opaque. Deglaze with white wine and let alcohol evaporate.
Step 4: Stir in tomato passata and simmer for 15 minutes on low heat.
Step 5: Add peas and continue cooking for 10 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed.
Step 6: Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve warm with crusty bread.

Tucci’s Tips

Always use fresh cuttlefish for the best flavor and tenderness.

Add peas towards the end to keep their sweetness and color.

Serve with toasted bread to soak up the rich sauce.

Variations

Extra Rich: Add a pinch of chili for a gentle heat.
Tomato-Free: Skip the tomato for a white version, using only wine and olive oil.
Pasta Pairing: Toss the sauce with spaghetti for a complete seafood pasta.

Did You Know?

Historical Fact: In Naples, cuttlefish dishes have been part of coastal cuisine for centuries, often served on Sundays after fishing trips — just like Nonna did!

Fun Fact: The combination of seafood and peas is considered a springtime favorite in Southern Italy, symbolizing freshness and abundance.

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Storage & Thank You

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.

Can it be frozen? Yes — freeze the sauce (without peas) for up to 1 month.

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