A Gourmet Pigment Named “Squid Ink”

Cinzia Cuneo 27 luglio, 2013 pesci/frutti di mare, cucine del mondo

“Sepia” or “squid ink” is an opaque liquid secreted by molluscs such as cuttlefish and squid as an act of self-defence. Used as a pigment for wash drawing since ancient times, this product is also employed in cooking to colour foods like Italian squid ink pasta and Japanese “udon” and “soba” noodles.

It is used in Spanish and Italian cuisine for preparing sauces and flavouring rice and seafood dishes. The color and exquisite taste of the classic “squid ink risotto” that I’m proposing below will amaze your guests. You can buy the ink in sachets or small jars in the spice and savoury aisles in Italian grocery stores, or in the best fishmongers.

It is even being touted on the Internet as a tiny “magic potion” for getting into shape, improving one’s mood, preventing hair loss, etc. These wild allegations are probably based on its high vitamin, mineral and enzyme content.

Originally published in the Journal de Montréal on July 27, 2013.

Autori

Cinzia Cuneo

Italiana di nascita e canadese d'adozione, Cinzia ha deciso di coniugare le sue competenze professionali e la sua passione per la buona tavola sviluppando un servizio per aiutare i numerosi «aventi bisogno» a riprendere il controllo della loro alimentazione. Così è nata SOSCuisine. Ingegnere di formazione al Politecnico di Torino, Cinzia ha conseguito un Master's Degree in scienze applicate all'École Polytechnique de Montréal.