Comorian Octopus Curry
A flavorful and aromatic curry featuring tender octopus simmered in a rich coconut milk base with a blend of Comorian spices. This dish showcases the island nation's access to fresh seafood and its influences from various culinary traditions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Octopus(cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 400 ml Coconut milk
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 4 Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 inch piece Fresh ginger(grated)
- 2 large Tomatoes(crushed or diced)
- 2 tablespoons Curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- for garnish Fresh coriander
- 2 Fresh chilies(optional, finely chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Clean the octopus thoroughly, removing the ink sac. Rub the octopus with salt, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Boil the octopus in water for about 20 minutes until it turns pink. Drain and let it cool, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 2
In a saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, and ground cloves. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- 5
Add the crushed tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to break down.
- 6
Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the cut octopus pieces and salt to taste. If using, add the fresh chilies.
- 7
Cover the saucepan and let the curry simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the octopus is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- 8
Garnish with fresh coriander before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice or couscous.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the octopus is thoroughly cleaned to avoid any unpleasant taste.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili to your preference for heat.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a bay leaf during the simmering process.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced eggplant or potatoes to the curry for a heartier meal.
- Substitute calamari for octopus if unavailable.