Baked octopus & potatoes

Both of my grandfathers were from the seaside, one was from the island of Korčula and the other was from the island of Brač. I still have a lot of family members living at the Croatian coast, from Split to Dubrovnik. I always love spending summer vacation at the seaside. One of my favorite places is the island of Hvar,the Croatian island with the most sunny days in the year. The first time I went there I was only one moth old, that’s where I learned how to walk and swim. It’s my happy place and every time I close my eyes and think of something inspiring I can see waves crashing, crystal clear water and sun shining over the most beautiful beaches on Hvar.

Baked octopus & potatoes is one of my favorite dishes, not only is it delicious, but for me it symbolizes family and being together with loved ones. We get fresh octopus from the seaside from family friends who usually travel from Zagreb to the seaside for work, and I got to tell you it is very important to eat and cook with fresh seafood. On every big occasion or holiday we usually eat oven baked octopus, it’s something I prepare with my mother and she is the one who taught me the recipe.

I recommend trying out this recipe because it’s tasty and you’ll surely love it!

Preparation: 15 min                                  Cook time: 1 h                                     Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 kg octopus
• 1 kg potatoes
• 3 tomatoes, sliced
• 2 red onions, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• 6 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp parsley
• 0,2 l red wine
• salt & pepper to taste

How to

1. Wash and clean the octopus inside and out removing the beak. Chop the meat in medium size pieces. Peel the potatoes and slice them into round shapes.
2. Preheat the oven to 200° C.
3. Place the sliced onions and garlic in an oiled up oven tray. Place potatoes and season them with a splash of olive oil, salt and pepper. Top them with sliced octopus and tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, parsley, basil and another splash of olive oil.
4. Bake in a preheated oven for 30 min then pour red wine over the baked octopus and potatoes. Place in the oven and bake for 30 – 40 more min until octopus is soft and potatoes golden brown & crispy on top.

Tip: You can make the recipe with or without the tomatoes.