Prep Time

    •    Prep and cook time: 2 hours & 25 minutes
    •    Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

    •    25g fennel seeds
    •    1 onion, chopped
    •    4 garlic cloves, bruised
    •    2 tbsps coriander seeds
    •    200ml extra virgin olive oil
    •    Flat-leaf parsley leaves, to serve
    •    1 lemon, halved, plus extra cheeks to serve
    •    1kg large octopus tentacles (substitute 1 large octopus, head removed)

Capsicum and garlic paste:

    •    50g almonds
    •    Juice of 1 lemon
    •    1 tsp smoked paprika
    •    1 tsp cayenne pepper
    •    20g fresh breadcrumbs
    •    2 tbsps red wine vinegar
    •    150ml extra virgin olive oil
    •    Flat-leaf parsley leaves, to serve
    •    1 garlic bulb, cloves separated, peeled
    •    200g jarred roasted capsicums, drained

Method

1. Heat oil, fennel and coriander seeds, garlic and onion in a large saucepan over medium heat. When hot, cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 minutes or until onion is softened. Add 2.5L water, lemon halves and 1 tbs salt flakes. Bring to a simmer. Add octopus, reduce to a slow simmer, cover and slowly simmer for 1 hour 45 minutes or until octopus is tender.
   
   
2. Meanwhile, for the capsicum and garlic paste, combine oil and garlic in a small saucepan over low heat. When hot, gently cook, without simmering, for 30 minutes or until garlic is tender. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and stand until completely cooled.
   
   
3. Place capsicum, almonds, breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, vinegar, lemon juice and cooked garlic (reserve oil to serve) in a blender and whiz until well combined. With the motor running, add cooled garlic oil in a steady stream until completely combined and smooth.
   
   
4. When octopus is cooked, drain and slice into individual tentacles. Heat a chargrill pan or barbecue to high heat. Grill octopus for 2-3 minutes each side or until grill marks appear.
   
   
5. Spread capsicum and garlic paste over serving plates and top with octopus. Scatter with parsley and serve with extra lemon cheeks.

This great family recipe is thanks to delicious Recipe at https://www.delicious.com.au/recipes/octopus-capsicum-garlic-paste/yd5xemzz