Spanish Octopus Stew with Smoked Paprika
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Spanish Octopus Stew, Oi Oi!
Fancy trying something a bit different? Ever thought about making an octopus recipe at home? I know, I know, it sounds a bit cheffy but trust me, this Spanish octopus stew recipe is easier than you think.
This hearty stew is like a warm hug on a cold day.
Quick Hook: From the Sea to Your Soul
Honestly, I was a bit intimidated by octopus cooking tips at first. But once I tried making spanish octopus stew , there was no turning back! The smoky flavour and tender octopus recipe will blow your mind.
Brief Overview: A Taste of Spain
The inspiration? The classic pulpo a la gallega recipe , straight from the heart of Galicia! It's proper comfort food.
This seafood stew recipe is easier than you think. Don't be put off. Plus, it only takes about 2 hours 30 minutes from start to finish.
Feeds 4-6. Sharing is caring, right?
Main Benefits: Healthy and Hearty
Octopus is packed with protein and essential minerals. This galician octopus recipe is perfect for a cosy night in or a dinner party with your mates.
It’s a total conversation starter, and everyone will be asking for the recipe. What makes this easy octopus recipe special? It's the combination of flavors, the paprika.
Oh my gosh, I nearly forgot! I wanted to mention that about 10% of octopus species are venomous. So, do NOT try to catch one yourself, rather, buy it from a fish market!
Honestly, the smoked paprika makes all the difference. It elevates it. In fact, there are many different kinds of smoked paprika, and it is important to choose the right one.
It adds a depth of flavour you simply can't get any other way. You know? Now, let’s get to those ingredients.
Alright, let's talk about what you need to get this octopus recipe going! Honestly, don't get intimidated. It's easier than you think. We'll break it down.
Ingredients & Equipment: Octopus Stew Ready!
Okay, picture this: You are making amazing spanish octopus stew . It’s rich, flavorful, and folks would think you got it in that fancy restaurant.
But you made it! Here’s how to gather your stuff.
Main Ingredients: Octopus Center Stage!
- Octopus: 2-3 lbs (900g - 1.4kg), cleaned. Frozen then thawed is perfect.
- Onion: 1 large yellow, quartered (for cooking octopus).
- Bay Leaves: 2 .
- Coarse Sea Salt: 1 tbsp .
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp .
- Onion: 1 large yellow, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 , chopped.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 28 oz (794g).
- Chickpeas: 15 oz (425g), drained.
- Dry White Wine: 1 cup . Albariño is excellent.
- Smoked Paprika: 2 tbsp . Use "pimentón de la Vera" from Spain.
- Dried Oregano: 1 tsp .
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ tsp (optional).
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For drizzling.
Quality matters, right? Go for octopus that looks fresh. Frozen octopus is often more tender! And don't skimp on the smoked paprika for the smoked paprika octopus .
It's key to that amazing flavour.
Seasoning Notes: That Flavor Bomb!
Smoked paprika and oregano are the superstars. They bring warmth and a smoky depth to the seafood stew recipe . If you don't have smoked paprika, a pinch of liquid smoke to regular paprika works in a pinch.
But please, get the real stuff! It changes the game. To make it a galician octopus recipe , be sure to use a good quality smoked paprika.
Oh my gosh, the wine! Don’t freak out if you don’t have white wine. Chicken broth also works.
Equipment Needed: Not Much, I Promise!
- Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven: For simmering.
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowls
- Slotted Spoon or Tongs
Honestly, the Dutch oven is ideal. But if you don't have one, a large pot works just fine. You just need something big enough to hold everything.
This easy octopus recipe really is simple!
Getting hungry yet?
Spanish Octopus Stew with Smoked Paprika: Pulpo Perfection!
Fancy a bit of Spanish sunshine in a bowl? This spanish octopus stew , inspired by the classic pulpo a la gallega recipe , is exactly what you need.
It's proper hearty, packed with flavour, and surprisingly easy once you get the hang of prepping the octopus. Honestly, don't be scared off! It's way simpler than you think.
Prep Steps: Octopus Ready!
First things first: mise en place is key, yeah? We need everything prepped.
- Essential Mise en Place: Get your 2-3 lb octopus cleaned. If using frozen, make sure it's properly thawed. Chop 1 large yellow onion into quarters.
- Time Saving Organization Tips: Have all your other ingredients measured and ready to go. Trust me, it speeds things up massively.
- Safety Reminders: When handling a raw octopus, wash your hands well afterwards. Seafood safety, innit!
step-by-step: From Tentacle to Table
Alright, let's get cooking! This tender octopus recipe is about to blow your mind!
- Simmer the Star: Gently simmer the octopus with the quartered onion , 2 bay leaves , and 1 tbsp coarse salt in water until fork tender . This might take 1-1. 5 hours .
- Cool & Chop: Remove the octopus and let it cool slightly. Chop it into bite sized pieces. Don't throw away the cooking liquid!
- Aromatic Base: Sauté 1 finely chopped onion , 2 minced garlic cloves , and 1 chopped red bell pepper in 2 tbsp olive oil until softened.
- Stew Time: Add 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes , 1 (15 oz) can drained chickpeas , 1 cup dry white wine , 2 tbsp smoked paprika , 1 tsp dried oregano , and ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Simmer.
- Octopus Reunion: Add the chopped octopus and 1 cup of the reserved octopus cooking liquid to the stew. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes to mingle those flavors!
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra virgin olive oil.
Pro Tips: Chef's Kiss
Want to take your easy octopus recipe to the next level? Sorted.
- Patience is Key: The secret to tender octopus ? Low and slow. Don't rush the simmering.
- Smoked Paprika Power: Use good quality smoked paprika ! It makes a world of difference. You know, the type of paprika really influences the flavour of the dish.
- make-ahead Magic: This seafood stew recipe is even better the next day! Flavors properly meld.
Honestly, this octopus recipe spanish is a game changer. It's one of those dishes that tastes like you've spent hours slaving away, but it's secretly pretty simple.
I cooked this galician octopus recipe when I hosted some friends, and they said was very delicious, and requested the octopus stew recipe ! Give it a go, and let me know what you think!
Recipe Notes: Nailing that Octopus Recipe
Alright, so you're about to tackle this Spanish Octopus Stew. Honestly, it’s easier than it looks! But like with any good thing in life, a few tricks can make all the difference.
Let’s talk about making this tender octopus recipe a total triumph.
Serving Up Some Style
Okay, so picture this: you’ve got this amazing seafood stew recipe , right? Don't just dump it in a bowl! Think rustic chic.
Ladle the stew into shallow bowls and garnish with loads of fresh parsley. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil makes it look super fancy.
And don’t forget the crusty bread! A simple green salad also cuts through the richness nicely. Wash it all down with a chilled glass of Albariño.
Trust me, it's a game changer. It transforms the experience from dinner to experience .
Storing like a Pro
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This octopus stew recipe is even better the next day. Let it cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container.
It'll keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. Want to freeze it? Go for it! It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, gently simmer on the stovetop, or microwave in short bursts, stirring often.
Don’t overcook it , or that precious tender octopus will become rubbery. Reheating slowly helps preserve that lovely texture.
Tweaks and Twists
Fancy a change? This octopus recipe spanish style is super adaptable. Want a spicy kick? Add more red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper.
If you're not a fan of octopus (gasp!), try using shrimp or mussels for a seafood stew recipe . For a veggie version, skip the octopus and use vegetable broth.
Throw in some potatoes or extra chickpeas.
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, so let’s be real. While super tasty, its about 350-400 calories per serving. The real star is the protein (30-35g), thanks to that delicious octopus.
You're also getting a good dose of fiber (8-10g) from the chickpeas. The estimated sodium levels will vary greatly depending on how much salt you add.
Be mindful of it if you're watching your sodium intake! And remember, this is just an estimate. It can vary based on the ingredients you use.
So, go on, give this galician octopus recipe a go! Even if you're a complete beginner, I reckon you'll surprise yourself.
Just remember those tips. Patience is key to getting that easy octopus recipe spot on. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Right, so how do I actually make sure my octopus isn't like chewing on a rubber band?
Ah, the million dollar question! The key to tender octopus in this octopus recipe is patience. Simmer it gently with the onion and bay leaves until a fork easily pierces the thickest part of a tentacle usually around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Also, don't be shy about giving it a gentle pound with a rolling pin before cooking; it helps break down the muscle fibres.
This octopus recipe calls for smoked paprika. Sweet, hot, or bittersweet what's the craic?
Good question! The type of smoked paprika (pimentón de la Vera) you use will definitely impact the flavour. Sweet is the most common and offers a gentle smokiness. Hot paprika will add a lovely kick, whilst bittersweet offers a more complex flavour profile.
I'd suggest starting with sweet unless you're a proper chili head!
Can I make this Spanish Octopus Stew ahead of time, or is it best fresh?
This stew is actually brilliant made a day or two in advance. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and gently reheat it on the stovetop before serving.
It’s like giving it a bit of extra TLC, a culinary spa day if you will.
I don't have any white wine! What can I use instead in this octopus recipe?
No worries, we've all been there! If you're out of white wine, you can substitute an equal amount of chicken or fish stock. It won't have exactly the same depth, but it will still add a lovely savoury note to the stew. Just avoid anything too overpowering in flavour, as you want the octopus and smoked paprika to shine.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian, or is that just completely missing the point?
While it wouldn't be Spanish Octopus Stew anymore, you can definitely adapt this recipe for a vegetarian version. Simply omit the octopus, use vegetable broth instead of the octopus cooking liquid, and add some chopped potatoes or more chickpeas to make it heartier.
You could even throw in some smoked tofu for a bit of that umami flavour!
How long does leftover Octopus Stew last in the fridge? And can I freeze it?
Leftover Spanish Octopus Stew will happily keep in the fridge for 2-3 days, stored in an airtight container. You can freeze it, but be aware that the texture of the octopus might change slightly upon thawing it could become a bit softer.
To freeze, let it cool completely, then portion into freezer safe containers. It will last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Spanish Octopus Stew With Smoked Paprika
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 8-10g |