Octopus stewed in wine with herbs
5 servings
60 minutes
Wine-braised octopus with herbs is an exquisite dish from Mediterranean cuisine, where seafood is combined with aromatic spices and herbs. This recipe reveals the tenderness of the octopus, which becomes soft, rich, and infused with deep flavors thanks to red wine. Spicy chili adds a piquant note, while fresh greens provide lightness and freshness. Paired with potatoes, the dish acquires a cozy texture, making it perfect for a leisurely dinner with a glass of good wine. The magnificent balance of spices, acidity, and creamy base makes this dish popular in the gastronomic traditions of Southern Europe, especially in Portugal and Spain. Serve hot garnished with fresh herbs and enjoy the richness of flavor.
1
Let's start with the octopus. I had a frozen one, weighing about 2 kilograms. If the cooking time is limited, it can be thawed in warm water.
- Octopus: 1 piece
2
Cut off the tentacles and pound them well with the flat side of a meat mallet; the head of the octopus is not eaten.
- Octopus: 1 piece
3
Chop the garlic and finely dice the onion, sauté in a small amount of oil.
- Garlic: 5 clove
- Onion: 1 head
- Olive oil: 10 ml
4
Then we cut the tentacles into rings 2 cm wide; during cooking, the octopus will reduce slightly.
- Octopus: 1 piece
5
We add octopus meat to a deep pan with onion and garlic and sauté it a bit; it will start to release water. After 5 minutes, we add red wine. We mix everything.
- Octopus: 1 piece
- Onion: 1 head
- Garlic: 5 clove
- Olive oil: 10 ml
- Red dry wine: 150 ml
6
After another 20 minutes, add chili pepper and dried spices. No need to salt! Octopus meat is not bland by itself.
- Red chili pepper: 1 piece
- Dried oregano: pinch
7
If the water starts to evaporate, you can add a little warm water.
- Red dry wine: 150 ml
- Olive oil: 10 ml
8
Boil the potatoes and cut them slightly larger than for Olivier salad.
- Potato: 6 pieces
9
At the end of cooking, add chopped greens and potatoes to the pan with the octopus and mix everything.
- Fresh cilantro (coriander): 1 bunch
- Parsley: 1 bunch
- Potato: 6 pieces