Solomon Islands Octopus Curry
A flavorful and tender octopus curry, simmered in coconut milk with local spices and vegetables. This dish highlights the Solomon Islands' abundant seafood and tropical produce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Octopus(cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full fat)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch Ginger(grated)
- 2 small Chili peppers(finely chopped (adjust to taste))
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 0.5 tsp Cumin powder
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 medium Sweet potato(peeled and cubed)
- 1 juice of Lime
- to taste Salt
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- a handful Fresh coriander(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped chili peppers. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in turmeric powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- 4
Add the octopus pieces to the pot and stir to coat them with the spice mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes until the octopus starts to firm up.
- 5
Pour in the coconut milk and add the diced tomatoes and cubed sweet potato. Season with salt.
- 6
Bring the curry to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the octopus is tender and the sweet potato is cooked through. Stir occasionally.
- 7
Stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander. This curry is excellent with rice or steamed taro.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓To tenderize octopus, you can pound it lightly before cutting, or simmer it longer at a very low heat.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili to your preferred level of spice.
- ✓Ensure the coconut milk is full-fat for a richer curry.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like cassava or yam.
- Include a handful of spinach or other leafy greens in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- A splash of fish sauce can add an extra layer of umami.