Baked octopus is a traditional recipe that combines the tender texture of octopus with the flavor of roasted vegetables, perfect for a family lunch or a special occasion. This dish, originating from Mediterranean cuisine, is ideal for those looking for a different way to enjoy octopus, away from the classic Galician preparation. The recipe we present is simple and uses accessible ingredients like potatoes, onion, and pumpkin, which become an aromatic bed for the octopus.
The secret is to cook the octopus in a pressure cooker with bay leaf and garlic, and then bake it with the vegetables so the juices mix. The result is a melting octopus with an intense flavor and a spectacular presentation. This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks, as the pressure cooker simplifies the process and the oven does the rest.
There are variations that include paprika, olive oil, or even white wine, but this basic version is an excellent starting point. If you are looking for a dish that impresses your guests without complicating things, baked octopus is your best choice.
Cook
40 min
Servings
4
Heat an espresso pot with a couple of liters of water and a handful of salt to high heat
We submerged the defrosted octopus for a few seconds in boiling water three times. You will see that the legs curl.
Submerge the octopus, cover the espresso pot and, when steam starts to come out of the spout, close and cook under pressure for 10 minutes
While we peel the potatoes, cut them into slices together with the onion (we keep the little tail) and the pumpkin. Put the base on the oven tray and salt lightly.
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
Pour some cooking broth into the oven tray so that the potatoes can be cooked and put it in the oven at 180 degrees for 10 minutes
Meanwhile, with scissors, the legs of the octopus and the head were torn to pieces, on the other hand.
Place the legs and head on the vegetable bed. If you have run out of broth, add more. Bake another 15 minutes at 180 degrees.
We depressurized the pot and opened it.
If we want an extra crunch, we can set the oven grill to maximum power or just the fire up for a couple of minutes.
Serve the octopus with its garnish, sprinkle the finely chopped onion stick and a drizzle of olive oil on top. Bon Appetit.
