Authentic Maltese Octopus Stew Recipe

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds octopus
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup red wine
• 0.5 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 0.5 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 (8 ounce) can peas, drained
• 10 whole pitted ripe olives
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon white sugar

Instructions

1. Place the octopus in a large pot and cover with lightly salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the octopus turns opaque, approximately 15 minutes. Drain the water. Allow to cool slightly, then cut the octopus into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, mint leaves, garlic, curry powder, and mixed spice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the octopus, red wine, lemon zest, and orange zest to the skillet. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in the tomatoes, potatoes, peas, olives, tomato paste, bay leaves, and sugar. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until the octopus and potatoes are tender, about 45 minutes.

Nutrition

• Calories: 499 kcal
• Fat Content: 12 g
• Fiber Content: 6 g
• Sugar Content: 10 g
• Sodium Content: 1095 mg
• Protein Content: 45 g
• Cholesterol Content: 128 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 44 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g