Azorean-Style Stewed Octopus

Azorean-Style Stewed Octopus is one of the traditional dishes from the Azorean Gastronomy. This dish is a highlight during Christmas Eve dinner and can be served as a main course or as a snack. It is often accompanied by potatoes or white rice.

One of the unique features of this dish is its seasoning, particularly the use of “vinho de cheiro” (or red wine) and the presence of “pimenta da terra” or hot chili peppers. It is often prepared to taste, with some preferring a spicier version of stewed octopus.

We present you the recipe for Azorean-Style Stewed Octopus, although it may vary slightly from island to island, such as the famous stewed octopus from Faial Island. In the end, the result is the same: a magnificent and delicious stewed octopus.

Ingredients (for 10 people)

• 2.5kg potatoes, cubed;
• 3 octopuses;
• 2 onions;
• garlic;
• chili pepper paste / pimenta da terra;
• tomato paste;
• paprika paste;
• paprika;
• parsley;
• 1 glass of “vinho de cheiro” (or red wine);
• salted chili peppers;
• lard;
• saffron (optional);
• fish or chicken stock cube (optional);
• olive oil;

Preparation

• In a pot, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil and a tablespoon of lard. Heat over low heat until the lard melts. Add chopped onions and a teaspoon of chopped garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes;
• Add paprika, 2 teaspoons of paprika paste, 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, a teaspoon of chili pepper paste (or “pimenta da terra”), and the salted chili peppers;
• Add a teaspoon of saffron (optional);
• Now, add the octopus to the previous mixture. Drain the octopus well to minimize the amount of water added to the pot;
• Stir the octopus into the mixture and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. Optionally, you can add a fish stock cube;
• Add parsley and cover the pot, letting the octopus cook on low heat;
• Once the octopus is almost fully cooked, add the “vinho de cheiro” (or red wine). Cover the pot again and cook for another 20 minutes;
• Now it’s time to add the previously cubed potatoes. Stir gently and let the potatoes cook.
• Once the potatoes are fully cooked, turn off the heat. Your Azorean-Style Stewed Octopus is ready to be enjoyed.

Suggestions

• You can place the octopus in a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven to further enhance the flavor and brown it. Remove and serve immediately;
• Serve with cornbread;

Step-by-Step Recipe Video

This recipe is based on a video by Leonor Santos, who regularly shares fantastic videos on traditional Azorean recipes. Watch how to make stewed octopus step-by-step in this video: