homecooked love, everyday
This skillet calamari with zucchini is incredibly fast, flavorful and nutritious. If the calamari is cleaned, it takes only 10 minutes to prepare, it needs very little cooking over a very high heat. My cast iron pan is ideal for this and I am so …
Salt cod with chickpeas is also made in the island of Crete , however, we will be making Bacalao con Garbanzos, a version of the traditional Spanish recipe. This is a healthy, colorful, aromatic dish packed with nutriens from the vegetables, pulses and fish. It …
I have been meeting the most wonderful people from all over the world at the Onion Athens‘ cooking workshops over the past few months. I adore sharing traditional Greek recipes just as much as learning participants favorites too. Just last week Garry and Cindy mentioned how they would love to try out some seafood recipes while staying in Athens and that gave me the push I needed to finally share this wonderful recipe for tender, slow cooked octopus and pasta.
Traditionally all octopus needs is to be left to slowly simmer in an empty pot for about an hour to release it’s aromatic, flavorful juices. Resist the urge to add water as it will turn hard and chewy. Just leave it on it’s own as there is no chance of it burning at a low temperature. the combination of the rich flavor with short cut pasta, traditionally called “kofto” (κοφτό) makes it a favorite with children too. Mine love it, which is very fortunate as it also very rich in iron and B12. If fresh octopus is not available, frozen will be fine. Some Greeks will even freeze it as they swear it tenderizes it a bit more.
Ingredients
Put the whole octopus in a pot, cover and set over a low heat to braise for about 1 hour until soft. Boil the pasta in salted water for half the recommended cooking time and drain. Wash out the pasta pot, dry it and set it over a medium heat. Add the oil then gently cook the onions for 5′. Add the garlic, allspice, bay leaves and cinnamon. Rub the tomato paste into the oil with a wooden spoon, then add the stewing liquid from the octopus. Chop the octopus into bite sized pieces while bringing the sauce to the boil. Add the pasta and octopus pieces. Season, stir well and simmer gently for 5′-10′ until the pasta is cooked through. Keep some hot water at hand to add little by little, if needed, for the pasta to cook completely.
It’s a great blessing to have friends who share your interests, especially when they’re willing to share their own experience. Calliope comes from small Stomio Larissas in central Greece and is fortunate to receive regular reinforcements in the form of food parcels from her village. …
The best seafood is fresh! Agreed, but come Tuesday afternoon, counting down the minutes, the seconds until dinner time, the best seafood fast and readily available. So fresh shelled mussels in the refrigerator or in the freezer (if you have thawed them) is a delicious, …
Fresh wild salmon is almost impossible to find in Greece. As most fish grow thinner in winter, frozen salmon fillets are a quick and reliable source of ω3 fats and are usually perfectly paired with winter broccoli. Purple broccoli is available at farmers’ markets from February to April. Sweeter and crunchier than its green cousin, it tastes amazing when roasted.
This is a perfect midweek recipe, taking less than 20′ from prep to table. Tray bakes are so easy and practical and can be very nutritious and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 200 C. In a bowl, mix together the oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and honey. Cut the broccoli in half and then each half in 3 wedges. Line a tray with parchment paper and place the broccoli and salmon on it. Spoon over the glaze and season. Roast in the oven for 10-12 mins, then serve immediately. If preferred you can sprinkle over the black sesame seeds.
