Kiribati Octopus Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender octopus simmered in coconut milk with local vegetables and spices, showcasing the rich maritime heritage of Kiribati.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Octopus(cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full fat)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 200 g Taro leaves(chopped (or spinach as a substitute))
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 small Chili pepper(finely chopped (optional, for heat))
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the cut octopus pieces to the pot and sear for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they change color.
- 4
Stir in the diced tomatoes and chopped chili pepper (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften.
- 5
Pour in the coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, or until the octopus is tender. Stir occasionally.
- 6
Add the chopped taro leaves (or spinach) to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the leaves are wilted and tender.
- 7
Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓To tenderize octopus, you can pound it gently before cutting, or simmer it longer.
- ✓If taro leaves are unavailable, spinach or other leafy greens can be used as a substitute.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili pepper to your preference for spice.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like diced taro or sweet potato along with the tomatoes.
- A squeeze of lime juice at the end can add a bright, fresh flavor.