Polpo Ubriaco (Drunken Octopus)
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Octopus | 1 kg |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Wine (preferably white) | 2 liters |
| Bay Leaves | A few |
| Chili Pepper | 1 |
| Olive Oil | 6 tbsp |
| Parsley | 3 tbsp, chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Octopus: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the octopus under cold running water. Remove the innards and the central eye socket. This process ensures that the octopus is ready for cooking without any undesirable bits. Once cleaned, cut the octopus into pieces, each about the size of a walnut. Cutting the pieces too large will only result in longer cooking times, so aim for evenly sized chunks.
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Start the Cooking Process: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic cloves, keeping them whole to allow their flavor to infuse the oil. Let the garlic sizzle for a minute or two, but be careful not to burn it.
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Add the Aromatics: Toss in the bay leaves and chop the chili pepper into small pieces, adding it to the pan for a touch of heat. Stir these ingredients together for a minute to release their fragrances into the oil.
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Cook the Octopus: Add the chopped octopus pieces to the pan. Stir well to coat the octopus with the flavored oil and aromatics. Next, pour in the wine and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover the pan with a lid.
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Simmer and Cook: Let the octopus simmer for about 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the tenderness of the octopus. If the sauce reduces too much, simply add a few tablespoons of water to maintain the desired consistency. The octopus should become tender and absorb the rich flavors of the wine and spices.
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Finishing Touches: Just before removing the pan from the heat, stir in a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley. Add salt to taste, adjusting the seasoning as necessary. Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving, as this will enhance the flavors and make it more enjoyable.
Serve the Polpo Ubriaco with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce or alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a delightful family dinner, offering a wonderful blend of flavors with a unique twist of wine-soaked octopus. Enjoy!
