Greek Octopus Stew Recipe – A Flavorful Mediterranean Delight

Looking for a dish that’s both exotic and comforting? Look no further than Greek Octopus Stew! This Mediterranean classic is a perfect combination of tender octopus, flavorful vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or want to impress guests with something unique, this dish is sure to stand out.

Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that brings the fresh taste of the sea to your kitchen. 😍

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Tender Octopus – The star of the dish, perfectly cooked and melt-in-your-mouth.

✅ Flavor-Packed Stew – Infused with Mediterranean spices, fresh herbs, and a tangy tomato base.

✅ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein, omega-3s, and veggies.

✅ One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor!

✅ Authentic Greek Dish – Experience the taste of Greece right at home!

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

To make this Greek Octopus Stew, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Stew:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) of octopus 🐙 – Fresh or frozen, cleaned and cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒 – For sautéing
• 1 onion 🧅 – Diced
• 4 garlic cloves 🧄 – Minced
• 2 tomatoes 🍅 – Chopped, or you can use canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup dry white wine 🍷 – Enhances the flavor, but can be replaced with vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 🍅 – For extra richness
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿 – A must for that Mediterranean flavor
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿 – To complement the oregano
• 1 bay leaf 🍃 – Adds depth of flavor
• Salt & pepper 🧂 – To taste
• 1/2 cup water or broth – Depending on how thick you want your stew
• Fresh parsley 🌿 – Chopped, for garnish

For Optional Extras:

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 🌶️ – For a bit of heat
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 🍋 – To add a refreshing citrus touch
• Olives 🫒 – Greek Kalamata olives for extra flavor

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🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Prep the Octopus

1️⃣ Clean & Cut the Octopus: If using fresh octopus, make sure it’s cleaned (ask your fishmonger to do this for you). Cut the octopus into bite-sized pieces, which helps it cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the stew.

2️⃣ Tenderizing the Octopus: If the octopus feels tough, you can tenderize it by freezing it overnight or gently pounding it with a mallet to break down the fibers. But don’t worry, if it’s cooked right, it will be incredibly tender! 🐙

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🔥 Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1️⃣ Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

2️⃣ Cook the Onion: Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until it softens and turns golden brown.

3️⃣ Add the Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant. The smell is divine! 🧄

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🔥 Step 3: Cook the Octopus

1️⃣ Add the Octopus: Add the octopus pieces to the pot and cook them for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the octopus lightly browns.

2️⃣ Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the dry white wine, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pot. The wine will enhance the flavors and give the stew a rich base. Let the wine simmer for about 3 minutes until it reduces slightly. 🍷

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🔥 Step 4: Add the Tomatoes & Simmer

1️⃣ Add Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: Now, add your chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) along with the tomato paste. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes. 🍅

2️⃣ Season with Spices: Sprinkle in the dried oregano, thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. These spices are what give the stew that iconic Greek flavor! 🌿

3️⃣ Simmer: Add 1/2 cup of water or broth (depending on how thick you like your stew). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This will allow the octopus to become tender and soak up all those flavors. 🔥

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🔥 Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

1️⃣ Taste & Adjust: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. 🌶️

2️⃣ Add Lemon Juice: For a zesty finish, squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. 🍋 This will brighten up the dish and balance out the richness of the tomato base.

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🔥 Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1️⃣ Garnish: Once the stew is cooked and the octopus is tender, remove from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. 🌿

2️⃣ Serve: Serve your Greek Octopus Stew hot, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of rice. 🥖🍚 You can also serve it with a side of Greek salad for a complete meal!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Greek Octopus Stew is best enjoyed with:

• Crusty Bread 🍞 – Perfect for sopping up the delicious tomato broth.
• Rice 🍚 – Serve the stew over fluffy rice to make it more filling.
• Greek Salad 🥗 – A refreshing salad with feta, olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the stew.
• A Glass of White Wine 🍷 – A chilled glass of crisp white wine enhances the Mediterranean experience.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s unlikely 😉), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The stew can be kept for up to 2-3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing!

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

To reheat, simply heat the stew in a pot over low heat until warmed through. If the stew has thickened too much in the fridge, add a bit of water or broth to loosen it up. Stir occasionally and enjoy that fresh flavor all over again!

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Use Frozen Octopus?

Yes, frozen octopus works just as well! Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. The freezing process helps tenderize the meat, making it perfect for stews. ❄️

2️⃣ Can I Use Other Seafood?

While this recipe is traditionally made with octopus, you can try substituting it with squid or even shrimp for a different variation. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. 🦑🍤

3️⃣ What Should I Pair This Stew With?

This dish pairs wonderfully with Greek wine or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a chilled sparkling water or a lemony iced tea would be great choices! 🍋

4️⃣ How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?

If you love a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes, or try a touch of harissa or cayenne pepper. For a different twist, serve the stew with a side of spicy tzatziki sauce. 🌶️🔥

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🌊 Conclusion – A Mediterranean Feast!

This Greek Octopus Stew is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of Mediterranean flavors. With its tender octopus, rich tomato base, and aromatic herbs, this dish transports you straight to the sunny shores of Greece. 🇬🇷

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a comforting weeknight meal, this stew is guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and let the flavors of Greece take over your kitchen. Bon appétit! 😍🔥