🇨🇻 Cape Verdean Cuisine

Polvo Guisado

Stewed Octopus

Prep Time 20 min

Servings 4

Difficulty Hard

Calories 292 kcal

Tender octopus slowly braised in red wine, tomatoes, and garlic until fork-tender, a celebration of Cape Verde's maritime heritage.

Ingredients

1 Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Dip octopus three times, then submerge. Boil 5 min and drain.
2 Heat olive oil in a heavy pot. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 5 min.
3 Add tomatoes, paprika, and bay leaves. Cook 5 min until saucy.
4 Add octopus and red wine. Bring to a simmer.
5 Cover and braise on low heat 60-75 min until octopus is fork-tender.
6 Slice octopus, arrange on a platter, and spoon the sauce over. Garnish with parsley.

Did You Know?

Cape Verdean fishermen say an octopus should be dipped in boiling water three times before cooking — once for each wish you make.