Italy By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Italy: Seppie con Piselli (Recipe)

Cuttlefish and peas braised in tomato sauce, garnished with parsley

In this article

Say hello to Seppie con Piselli, a wonderfully understated taste of the Italian coast. Tender cuttlefish and sweet peas are gently braised in a fragrant tomato sauce until everything melts together into something far greater than the sum of its parts. It is the kind of homely seafood dish that captures the easy generosity of Mediterranean cooking — a handful of good ingredients, a little patience, and the flavours of Italy brought straight to your table.

About Seppie con Piselli

Seppie con Piselli is an exquisite pairing of tender cuttlefish and fresh peas, brought together by an aromatic tomato sauce. The very idea of marrying seafood with a humble pulse speaks volumes about Italian cookery, which has always known how to wed simplicity and flavour. The dish belongs to a long tradition that draws on the ingredients and tastes of the Mediterranean. If you are after an authentic experience, this recipe brings the charm of Italy directly into your kitchen.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

300 g cuttlefish, cleaned
200 g fresh peas
400 g passata (sieved tomatoes)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, to garnish

Shopping for the ingredients

To coax out the best flavours, it is worth seeking out high-quality ingredients. Visit a local fishmonger or a good supermarket to track down fresh cuttlefish. Make sure the seafood is fresh rather than frozen, so you get its full sweetness. Fresh peas are likewise recommended, though frozen ones make a fine stand-in when fresh are out of season. The same care over quality pays off in any seafood classic, from this dish to a Risotto ai Frutti di Mare.

Preparing the dish

A little preparation is the key to letting the flavours shine. Begin by cleaning the cuttlefish thoroughly and cutting it into bite-size pieces. Chop the onion and garlic so they release their aromas quickly once they hit the pan. It is well worth having everything to hand before you start cooking, as this keeps the whole process smooth and unhurried.

Step-by-step instructions

Heat a splash of olive oil in a pan and add the onion. Sauté until translucent.
Add the chopped garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Tip in the cleaned cuttlefish and fry for about 5 minutes.
Add the passata and the fresh peas, then stir everything together well.
Season with salt and pepper, and let the mixture simmer over medium heat for around 20 minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Seppie con Piselli is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free. Because the dish contains no gluten-based ingredients or dairy, it is an excellent choice for anyone with intolerances. Do take care, though, that any additional ingredients are gluten- and lactose-free too — particularly the stock, should you use any. That way the dish stays light and easy on the stomach for everyone at the table.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

For a vegan or vegetarian take on Seppie con Piselli, you can swap the cuttlefish for a combination of firm tofu and vegetables. Their texture and flavour can be coaxed along with the right seasoning and a good marinade. A dash of soy sauce adds an intriguing umami note that enriches the dish. Experiment with vegetables such as courgette or aubergine to build extra flavour and variety.

More tips and tricks

To make the dish even tastier, finish it with a squeeze of lemon juice, which brings out the sweetness of the cuttlefish. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of chilli flakes. Dunk some fresh bread into the sauce to mop up every last bit of flavour. It is also worth letting the dish rest for a few minutes so the aromas have time to mingle and settle.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

The beauty of Seppie con Piselli is just how adaptable it is. Prefer things a touch sweeter? Try a pinch of sugar in the tomato sauce to balance the acidity. If you want to add more protein, prawns or mussels slip in beautifully and pair wonderfully with this dish. Let your imagination run free and shape the recipe to suit your own taste.

Ingredient substitutions

If certain ingredients are not to hand, there are plenty of alternatives for Seppie con Piselli. Instead of fresh peas you can use frozen ones, which offer a similar sweetness. For the sauce you might reach for tomato purée or fresh tomatoes, blended down beforehand. A little radicchio or spinach can lend the dish an interesting new note as well. These options are not only practical but also bring fresh variations to the classic flavours.

Drink pairing ideas

For a truly satisfying plate of Seppie con Piselli, white wines with a fresh, fruity character work best. A lightly chilled Pinot Grigio or a Vermentino makes a lovely companion that underlines the seafood. Alternatively, a refreshing Spritz rounds out the flavours of the Mediterranean kitchen nicely. For alcohol-free options, a zesty lemonade or a glass of sparkling water with lemon does the job beautifully.

Serving and presentation ideas

Presentation plays an important part in showing off your dish. Serve Seppie con Piselli in shallow, white plates to let the colours of the ingredients stand out. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. A side of toasted bread adds both visual appeal and a pleasing contrast of texture — much as it does alongside a bowl of Zuppa di Cozze. The result is a dish that delights the eye as much as the palate.

A bit of history

Seppie con Piselli has its roots in the traditional cooking of Italy, shaped heavily by life along the coast. Here the fresh bounty of the sea is brought together harmoniously with the produce of the land. The pairing of cuttlefish and peas captures the knack Italian cooks have for creating wonderful dishes from just a handful of ingredients. The dish reflects the very essence of Italian cuisine, where flavour and simplicity go hand in hand.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Seppie con Piselli

To sum up, Seppie con Piselli is a delicious and wonderfully simple dish that celebrates the flavours of the Mediterranean. The combination of tender cuttlefish and sweet peas in an aromatic sauce is a true homage to Italian cooking. Whether for a festive dinner or a cosy meal at home, this dish is sure to win over guests and family alike. Let its aromas inspire you and enjoy a little slice of Italy on your plate.