12.31.06
Octopus stew
The Son highly recommends this recipe, with the proviso that you use Spanish chorizo, not Mexican chorizo. The Spanish version is something like pepperoni. (There’s a mild version of the chorizo on the same site, but I can’t figure out what it would be used for.) This sounds like a great winter-time stew.
Ingredients needed:
- 2 (2-pound) octopus, cleaned
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
- 2 crushed bay leaves
- 1/2 pound chorizo sausage, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 2 cups white wine
- 2 pounds fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
- 1 pound new potatoes
- 2 cans of chickpeas
- 2 quarts of chicken stock
- Pinch of crushed red pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper
Submerge the octopus in a large pot of boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain and let them cool. Cut the tentacles and center section into 2-inch lengths or chunks. In a large pot, add the olive oil. When the oil is hot add the onions, garlic and bay leaves. Fry the vegetables in the oil for 3 to 4 minutes, or until slightly wilted. Add the chorizo and cook until browned and the fat is rendered, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the octopus and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with the wine. Bring the liquid up to a boil and reduce by half, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, and season with the salt and pepper. Add the potatoes, chickpeas, and stock. Bring the liquid up to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer the stew for about 2 hours on low heat. Stir in the crushed red pepper, fresh coriander and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Line the individual bowls with crusty bread. Ladle the stew over the bread and serve.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
