Good evening, my dear friends! Today’s dish is a true Mediterranean delight: Octopus with Short Pasta (Κοφτό Μακαρονάκι). This is a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe, where tender octopus meets the rich taste of pasta, all infused with the aromas of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. It's perfect for a cozy meal with friends or family.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg octopus, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 300g short pasta (κοφτό μακαρονάκι)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1-2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Octopus:
Start by cleaning the octopus and cutting it into manageable pieces. If you’ve bought it frozen, let it thaw first, as this will help make it tender.
Cook the Octopus: In a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the octopus and cook it for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the octopus to release its juices and become slightly browned. If it’s a little tough, don’t worry — it will become tender as it cooks longer.
Add the Aromatics: Once the octopus is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, pour in the red wine (if using), allowing it to cook off for a minute or two.
Simmer the Octopus: Add enough water to cover the octopus and bring it to a simmer. Drop in the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the octopus is tender.
Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, cook the short pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water for later.
Combine and Serve: Once the octopus is cooked, add the pasta to the pot and stir everything together. If it’s a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to make a light sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and add fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Enjoy your meal! This dish is a beautiful mix of sea and pasta, perfect for sharing on a sunny evening with loved ones.
Καλό μεσημέρι σε όλους και καλή όρεξη! 🐙🍝🥰
Wishing you all a wonderful afternoon!
Tags:
greek food
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