Comorian Octopus and Coconut Curry
A rich and flavorful curry featuring tender octopus simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce infused with aromatic Comorian spices. This dish highlights the island nation's love for seafood and coconut.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Octopus(cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 400 ml Coconut milk
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 1 small Chili pepper(finely chopped (optional))
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Lime juice
- for garnish Fresh cilantro
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Clean the octopus thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chopped chili pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- 5
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until they start to break down.
- 6
Add the octopus pieces to the pot and stir to coat them with the spice mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 7
Pour in the coconut milk and add salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- 8
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes, or until the octopus is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 9
Stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 10
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot, typically with rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the octopus is tender by simmering it for the recommended time. Overcooked octopus can be tough.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili pepper to your preferred level of heat.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use full-fat coconut milk.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers, potatoes, or green beans to the curry.
- Serve with a side of steamed basmati rice or coconut rice.