Arroz de Polvo
A flavorful Portuguese rice dish where tender octopus is cooked with rice, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, often simmered in the octopus's cooking liquid for a rich, oceanic flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Octopus(cleaned)
- 100 ml Olive oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 5 Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 medium Tomatoes(peeled and chopped)
- 250 g Rice (short or medium grain)
- 100 ml White wine
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 bunch Coriander(chopped)
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(freshly ground, to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Cook the octopus: In a large pot, cover the octopus with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Alternatively, pressure cook for 15-20 minutes. Reserve the cooking liquid.
- 2
Once cooked, remove the octopus from the liquid. Cut the octopus into bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 cm). Strain and reserve the cooking liquid.
- 3
In a large, oven-safe pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down.
- 5
Add the white wine and let it evaporate for a minute. Stir in the rice, bay leaf, and the cut octopus pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
- 6
Pour in enough reserved octopus cooking liquid (or water/fish stock if needed) to cover the rice by about 1.5 cm. Bring to a simmer.
- 7
Cover the pan and cook over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 8
Stir in most of the chopped coriander. Let it rest for 5 minutes, covered, before serving. Garnish with the remaining coriander.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using the octopus's cooking liquid adds a depth of flavor to the rice.
- ✓Don't overcook the rice; it should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente).
- ✓If you prefer a saucier rice, add a little more cooking liquid.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes include bell peppers (red or green) sautéed with the onions.
- A splash of red wine can be used instead of white wine for a different flavor profile.