If you’re craving something truly special and full of Mediterranean soul, this Greek Octopus Stew with Potatoes Recipe is an absolute treasure to try. Picture tender octopus pieces simmered to perfection alongside hearty potatoes, all bathed in a luscious, aromatic tomato sauce brightened with garlic, cumin, and paprika. Each bite is a joyful celebration of rustic Greek flavors, with olive oil adding richness and parsley lending a fresh finish. Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or a lover of comforting stews, this dish promises to warm your heart and impress your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, essential ingredients that come together to create a harmony of flavors and textures. Every element plays a vital role, from the succulent octopus to the creamy potatoes, making each spoonful deeply satisfying and authentically Greek.
- 2 lbs octopus: Fresh or thawed frozen, cut into pieces — the star protein that becomes wonderfully tender with slow cooking.
- 4 medium potatoes: Peeled and cubed — these soak up all the savory sauce, adding heartiness to the stew.
- 1 large onion: Finely chopped — provides a sweet and aromatic base flavor for the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced — infuses the stew with a warm and inviting aroma.
- 2 large tomatoes: Chopped — fresh and tangy, they form the vibrant sauce foundation.
- 1 cup olive oil: Generous portion — tenderizes the octopus while enriching the stew’s flavor deeply.
- 1 cup water: Creates the delicious cooking liquid with just the right consistency.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth that elevate the taste.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a mild smoky undertone, enhancing complexity.
- 2 bay leaves: For subtle herbal notes that beautifully complement the octopus.
- Salt and pepper: To taste — essential for balancing and amplifying all flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish — adds freshness and a pop of color.
- For the marinade (optional): 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 garlic clove crushed — these ingredients help tenderize and add a zesty Mediterranean punch to the octopus before cooking.
How to Make Greek Octopus Stew with Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Octopus (Optional)
Start by preparing a simple marinade mixing olive oil, dried oregano, lemon juice, and crushed garlic. This step is optional but highly recommended to tenderize the octopus and infuse layers of zesty, herbal flavor. Toss the cleaned octopus pieces in the marinade, then let them rest for at least 30 minutes. This little wait helps everything come together beautifully once cooking begins.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they’re soft and turning golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. This base layer builds the savory depth and mouthwatering aroma that will carry through the whole dish.
Step 3: Cook the Octopus and Potatoes
Add the marinated octopus to the pot, stirring gently as it cooks for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice it releasing some flavorful liquid—that’s key for tenderizing. Next, fold in the cubed potatoes so they can start soaking in those wonderful flavors. Then stir in the chopped tomatoes, letting them soften for a couple of minutes, enriching the stew’s texture and taste.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
Pour in the water and add ground cumin, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 1.5 hours. This slow simmering lets the octopus become perfectly tender while the potatoes absorb all the rich sauce. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check if the consistency is to your liking—add more water if needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Final Touches
Once the octopus is tender and the potatoes cooked through, taste the stew and tweak the seasoning if necessary. Remove and discard the bay leaves, then sprinkle a generous amount of chopped fresh parsley on top. This final touch adds brightness and a lovely green color that’s as inviting as the flavors.
How to Serve Greek Octopus Stew with Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice that adds a pop of color and freshness to the hearty stew. For an extra burst, a light drizzle of good quality olive oil on top just before serving works wonders, enhancing the richness and mouthfeel.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread to soak up all the glorious sauce. Alternatively, a side salad with crisp cucumber, tomato, and feta complements the richness perfectly and keeps things light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stew in rustic earthenware bowls to evoke traditional Greek charm. You can also add a wedge of lemon on the side for guests who love an extra zing. For a modern twist, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or olives on top to add textural contrast and elevate the Mediterranean vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Greek Octopus Stew with Potatoes tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a convenient make-ahead meal.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover stew without losing its charm. Portion it out, transfer into freezer-safe containers, and keep it for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the stew slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as gentle reheating helps maintain the tender texture of the octopus and the integrity of the potatoes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen octopus for this stew?
Absolutely! Frozen octopus works wonderfully for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking so it softens nicely and absorbs all those delicious flavors.
Is marinating the octopus necessary?
Marinating is optional but highly recommended because it tenderizes the octopus and infuses it with vibrant Mediterranean herbs and citrus notes, making your stew extra flavorful.
What can I substitute for fresh tomatoes?
If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned chopped tomatoes or even a bit of tomato passata can be used. Just adjust the quantity to retain the balance of acidity and sweetness in the stew.
How do I know when the octopus is fully cooked?
The octopus is done when it is tender and no longer rubbery to the bite. After simmering for about 1.5 hours, check a piece by piercing it with a fork. It should meet little resistance.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Of course! You can add a pinch of red chili flakes or a small chopped chili to the stew when sautéing the onion and garlic for a gentle kick that complements the smoky paprika.
Final Thoughts
Greek Octopus Stew with Potatoes Recipe is a soul-warming, delightful dish that brings the essence of Greek coastal cooking right into your kitchen. Its blend of tender octopus, hearty potatoes, and vibrant spices offers endless comfort and joy in every bite. I encourage you to give it a try, savor each moment in the making, and share this tasty tradition with those you love!
Print
Greek Octopus Stew with Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This traditional Greek Octopus Stew with Potatoes is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender octopus with soft potatoes simmered in a rich tomato and olive oil sauce. Infused with Mediterranean herbs and spices, this stew is perfect for a comforting meal that highlights classic Greek flavors.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs (about 1 kg) octopus, cleaned and cut into pieces (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
For the Marinade (Optional but Recommended):
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade (Optional): In a small bowl, combine olive oil, dried oregano, lemon juice, and crushed garlic. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Octopus: Place the cleaned octopus in a large bowl, pour the marinade over it, and toss to coat evenly. Let the octopus marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse it with flavors.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until softened and golden brown.
- Add the Octopus: Add the marinated octopus to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it releases liquid and begins to cook through.
- Add the Potatoes: Incorporate the peeled and cubed potatoes into the pot, stirring gently to combine them with the octopus and sautéed aromatics.
- Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften and start releasing their juices.
- Add Water and Spices: Pour in a cup of water, then add ground cumin, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add more water or broth if needed to maintain desired consistency. Cook until octopus is tender and potatoes are soft.
- Adjust Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the stew and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Remove and discard bay leaves. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve the Greek Octopus Stew hot as a main course, optionally accompanied by warm crusty bread to enjoy the rich sauce.
Notes
- Marinating the octopus is optional but highly recommended to tenderize and enhance flavor.
- If using frozen octopus, thaw completely before marinating and cooking.
- Be sure to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the stew from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light Greek salad.
- You can adjust the thickness of the stew by adding more water or broth during simmering.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
