Baby octopus braised with riesling and peas

Name: Baby octopus braised with riesling and peas
Cook time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 tbsp olive oil; 800g baby octopus, cleaned and cut in half; 2 garlic cloves, chopped; 1 onion, finely sliced; 240g (2 cups) frozen baby peas; 400ml riesling; extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling; 1 large handful flat-leaf parsley leaves, shredded; cooked polenta, to serve (optional)

Neil Perry

May 26, 2020

Time:30 mins - 1 hourServes:4

I love squid, cuttlefish and octopus braised with wine – the seafood gets a very meaty flavour and texture when slow-cooked. This dish works just as well using red wine, so give a chianti a go. The peas are not supposed to be bright green: the long cooking process turns them a dark, rich colour. Don’t worry, they will taste better than ever – you won’t believe how tender and sweet they are. Serve this on some soft polenta, and it’s a match made in heaven.

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil
800g baby octopus, cleaned and cut in half
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 onion, finely sliced
240g (2 cups) frozen baby peas
400ml riesling
extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
1 large handful flat-leaf parsley leaves, shredded
cooked polenta, to serve (optional)

Method

1. In a large heavy-based saucepan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over high heat, add the octopus and sear for about 5 minutes, turning over halfway through, then remove from the pan.
2. Heat the remaining olive oil in the pan over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion and a pinch of sea salt, and cook for a few minutes until softened, then add the peas and return the baby octopus to the pan.
3. Deglaze the pan with the riesling and bring to the boil. Add a 250ml (1 cup) water, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pan and cook for a further 15 minutes. Remove from the heat.
4. Divide between 4 plates and give a good grind of pepper and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle the parsley overand serve with polenta (if desired).