Polvo Guisado com Grão
A comforting and flavorful stew of tender octopus braised with chickpeas, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a blend of traditional Portuguese spices. This dish offers a rich, savory taste with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes and a satisfying texture from the chickpeas.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Octopus, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 Large onions, chopped
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 400 g can Canned chopped tomatoes
- 200 ml Dry white wine
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 400 g can Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the octopus pieces and sear for about 5-7 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove the octopus and set aside.
💡 Tip: Searing the octopus helps to develop flavor and texture. - 2
Add the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil to the pot. Add the chopped onions and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Sweating the onions and garlic builds a flavorful base for the stew. - 3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, white wine, bay leaf, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
💡 Tip: Deglazing the pot with wine adds depth of flavor. - 4
Return the seared octopus to the pot. Add enough water to almost cover the octopus. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the octopus is tender.
💡 Tip: Low and slow simmering is key to tender octopus. - 5
Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the pot. Stir well and continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
💡 Tip: Simmering uncovered allows the sauce to reduce and thicken. - 6
Season the stew with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in most of the chopped cilantro, reserving some for garnish.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. - 7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. This dish is excellent served with crusty bread or rice.
💡 Tip: Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If the octopus is not tender after 1 hour of simmering, continue to cook until it is tender. Cooking times can vary.
- ✓For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices.
- ✓You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or potatoes to the stew.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor.
- Incorporate other seafood like shrimp or mussels in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Serve with a dollop of aioli or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.