Ingredients
- 1 whole octopus (around 2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup fish or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Start by cleaning the octopus. Rinse it well under cold water and remove the beak from the center.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic, chopped celery, and carrot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables soften.
4. Increase the heat and pour in the red wine. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
5. Now, it’s time to add the octopus to the pot. Make sure to turn it around a few times to coat it nicely with the wine and vegetable mixture.
6. Pour in the diced tomatoes and fish or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.
7. Toss in the bay leaves, season with salt and pepper, and cover the pot. Let the octopus simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until it becomes tender. You can check the tenderness by poking a fork into the thickest part of the octopus.
8. Once the octopus is cooked, remove it from the stew and set it aside for a moment.
9. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the stew simmer uncovered for around 10-15 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly.
10. While the sauce is reducing, cut the octopus into bite-sized pieces.
11. Return the chopped octopus to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
12. Just before serving, sprinkle the stew with freshly chopped parsley to add a final touch of freshness.
13. Serve the octopus stew hot with crusty bread or over a bed of polenta for a heartier meal.
There you have it – a delicious Italian octopus stew ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
If you’re a seafood lover or an adventurous cook, this octopus stew recipe is a must-try. Don’t be intimidated by the tentacled creature; cooking octopus can be a rewarding and flavorful experience. So, why not bring a taste of Italy to your table tonight and enjoy this hearty and comforting octopus stew?