José Gourmet Squid in Ragout Sauce. Portuguese canned squid in the style of Caldeirada – spicy, tomato-based, with clove and bay leaf.

José Gourmet Squid in Ragout Sauce consists of squid from the Atlantic and Pacific in a spicy tomato sauce with pepper, clove, and bay leaf, in a 115g tin. The producer calls them "Lulas de Caldeirada." This is not squid salad in vinegar or fried rings—it is a braised dish in a tin.

Squid in Ragout Sauce by José Gourmet bears the name of a Portuguese classic in its original language. In Portugal, "Caldeirada" is a fish or seafood stew, braised with tomato, onion, and spices. The sauce in this tin has exactly that character: thick, tomato-rich, and with a warm spice profile that is reminiscent of Sunday dinner. The manufacturer calls this variety "Spiced Calamari in Ragout Sauce." Squid is a slender-bodied cephalopod whose flesh becomes tender when slow-cooked. For those who only know squid from the grill or the deep fryer, this tin offers a new perspective on the creature.

Taste

The squid is soft and succulent, with the slightly sweet, mild flavor that squid develops after braising. The sauce drives the dish. It is concentrated and tomato-based, with pepper providing a light heat. Clove and bay leaf add the characteristic warmth of a Portuguese stew without being overly sweet or perfumed.

Compared to canned fish in oil, this tin is a complete little dish. The flavor is bold and savory, and it stands on its own even without a side dish. If you generally avoid cloves in savory food, you may not enjoy this seasoning. A milder tomato alternative would be the sardines in tomato sauce.

Usage

The simplest way to enjoy the squid is warm. Gently heat the contents of the tin in a small pot and serve with a piece of fresh white bread for dipping—this meal hardly needs anything else. They are also delicious cold, straight from the tin, as a tapa alongside a glass of wine or beer.

With pasta, this tin quickly becomes a main course. Cook spaghetti or linguine, warm the squid with its sauce and a spoonful of pasta water, toss everything together, and top with fresh parsley. They work just as well on a pizza or a slice of toasted crusty bread with garlic.

Luís Baena, who develops the recipes for José Gourmet, turns the squid into tacos and calls the dish "Tacolula," based on the Portuguese word for squid. At home, you can do it like this: briefly warm flour tortillas in a pan, distribute the squid and sauce over them, and top with red onion and a squeeze of lime.

Our tip: Pour the squid and sauce over baked potatoes and add a dollop of yogurt. The acidity balances the spice, and the potato absorbs the sauce.

Origin

Behind José Gourmet is the Portuguese company 100MISTERIOS, Lda. According to the manufacturer, the squid comes from the Atlantic and Pacific. The brand views itself as a bridge between artisanal production and people who appreciate good food, explicitly citing fair relationships with suppliers as a core value.

On the outside, the tin becomes a small work of art. The illustration of the squid is by João Vaz de Carvalho, one of about 55 Portuguese artists who draw for the brand. On the website, Eugénio Roda tells the accompanying fable: A squid wanted to be a painter. He painted everything he saw, but then changed color and merged with his paintings. Thus, no one saw him at his own exhibitions. The packaging is made from recycled material and is intended to be kept.

For whom

The squid in ragout sauce is for anyone who enjoys squid and wants a quick, spicy meal in their pantry. It is perfect for those who love putting together tapas platters, and it makes a great gift for friends who love Portugal. In addition to individual tins, we offer the José Gourmet 4-piece gift set with sardines and mackerel. You can find more of the brand's tins on our José Gourmet page. This tin contains mollusks.

The squid is not suitable for those looking for a neutral ingredient for their own recipes—the sauce and spices are integral to the product.

Squid in spicy tomato sauce with clove and bay leaf – the Portuguese canned squid for bread, pasta, and tapas.