Potted octopus with multi coloured peppers, almonds and dried figs

A lot of people fast the period of Lent but it doesn't mean that they can't or haven't the option of tasty recipes to enjoy! So, don't hesitate to try out new ideas using nutritious and delicious seafood! Mussels, octopus, squids and cuttlefish are only a few of the sea treasures you can bring to your kitchen creating hearty and filling meals for the whole family!!

Recipe of Konstantina Faklari,

from the "BHMAgourmet" magazine of "TO BHMA" newspaper (2010)

Ingredients (for 4 people):
1Kg of octopus, cleaned and kept whole
10 dried figs, cut in half
2 bay leaves
1 star anise
1 sprig of fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
2 Florina red peppers, cut in small cubes (or red bell peppers)
3 sweet Bull's horn green peppers (indexed also as Cubanelle peppers), cut in small cubes
1 green bell pepper, cut in small cubes
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
15 blanched almonds
½ tea-cup of olive oil
1 glass of white dry wine
pepper
(no salt added since the octopus is salty by nature)

Method:
In a large non-stick pot put the octopus along with the figs, the bay leaves, the star anise and the thyme. Cover with the lid and cook in low heat for about 30 minutes. *** No need to add any water in the pot because the octopus will free its own juices.

Take the octopus out of the pot and cut in medium chunks, leave aside on a plate.

Discard the star anise and the thyme sprig and add in the pot the oil. Turn the heat to medium and when it is well warmed add the peppers, the almonds and the onion and sauté for 5 minutes.

Transfer the octopus back into the pot, stir and pour over with the wine. When the alcohol is evaporated add ½ a cup of water, cover with the lid and cook for another 20-30 minutes until the vegetables and the octopus are cooked through and tender.

In the end, if the sauce is too thin, turn the heat to high and leave the food to bubble for a few more minutes.

Note:
In this dish you can also add ½-1 a cup of already boiled lentils towards the end of cooking.