Chorizo-stuffed cuttlefish in Provençal sauce

SERVES 6 // PREP TIME 25 MINS // COOK 25 MINS

500 gm gluten-free microwave mixed super grains (see note)

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

1 red onion, finely chopped

2 chorizo, cut into 5mm pieces

1½ tbsp ras el hanout (see note)

2 tbsp each finely chopped flat-leaf parsley and basil

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

6 cuttlefish or baby squid hoods (130gm each), cleaned

Charred lemon halves, to serve

PROVENÇAL SAUCE

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 400gm cans diced tomatoes with basil and garlic

2½ tbsp finely chopped basil, plus extra leaves, to serve

1 For Provençal sauce, heat oil in a saucepan over high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften (4 minutes).

Stir in tomatoes and fresh basil; bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until thickened (6-8 minutes). Keep warm until ready to serve.

2 Meanwhile, cook grains according to packet instructions then transfer to a large bowl; stir gently to loosen grains.

3 For stuffing, heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until chorizo starts to brown (3-4 minutes). Transfer mixture to grains with ras el hanout, herbs and lemon juice and zest; season to taste and stir to combine. Spoon mixture into cuttlefish cavities; secure opening with a toothpick then score one side of each cuttlefish hood lightly with five, 2.5cm cuts.

4 Preheat a lightly greased barbecue or char-grill pan to medium-high. Drizzle cuttlefish with oil then barbecue, turning occasionally, until flesh is opaque and lightly charred (10-12 minutes).

5 To serve, spoon Provençal sauce over a platter then top with cuttlefish. Scatter with extra basil leaves and serve with charred lemon halves on the side.

Note Gluten-free microwave mixed super grains are available in 250gm packets in supermarkets. If unavailable, substitute mixed grains. Ras el hanout, a North African spice blend, is available from delicatessens or online at herbies.com.au.