Caribbean Stewed Octopus Recipes

CARIBBEAN STEWED OCTOPUS

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat; stir in onion. Cook and stir until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until onion is very tender and dark brown, about 30 minutes more.
• Rinse octopus. Place on a flat work surface and cut tentacles into thirds. Chop the head into bite-sized pieces. Place octopus pieces in a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag. Mix in salt and add crushed ice. Seal the bag and place into a larger grocery bag. Pound the octopus with the smooth side of a meat mallet until as tender as possible. Remove octopus from the bag and let drain in a colander.
• Stir ginger and garlic into the skillet with the onion; cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in wine and the remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Add octopus; reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook, stirring every 10 minutes, until flavors meld, about 1 hour. Uncover and continue simmering until sauce is thickened to your liking and octopus is tender, about 1 hour more.

ITALIAN STEWED OCTOPUS (POLPI IN UMIDO)

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salty water to a boil. Toss the octopus into the boiling water , return to a boil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove. Discard the water.
• Cut the octopus into large pieces and sauté in olive oil over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for another minute or two.
• Add the wine and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir well and let it cook down for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and chili flakes and bring to a simmer.
• Add about a teaspoon of salt and the honey or sugar. Mix well, cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes.
• At 30 minutes, add the optional capers, half the dill, and half the parsley. Check the octopus-sometimes small ones will be tender in just 30 minutes.
• If it is still super-chewy, cover the pot again and simmer for up to another 45 minutes.
• When you think you are about 10 minutes away from the octopus being done, uncover the pot and turn the heat up a little to cook down the sauce.
• To serve, add the remaining dill and parsley and black pepper to taste.
• Accompany with bread or pasta either hot or at room temperature. A crisp white wine like Spanish Albarino, Italian Orvieto or pinot grigio makes a good pairing for this interesting seafood meal.