Octopus with Orzo Nikki's Octopus Yiouvetsi Recipe

octopus

🥗Healthier: squid

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Squid is lower in calories, while canned tuna is more affordable.

orzo pasta

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: rice

Quinoa adds protein, while rice is often less expensive.

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: ricotta

Cottage cheese is lower in fat, and ricotta is usually less costly.

red wine

🥗Healthier: grape juice

💰Cheaper: white wine

Grape juice provides a non-alcoholic option, while white wine is often cheaper.

Cut the head off the baby octopus and cut the tentacles into quarters.

Place the octopus into a medium-sized saucepan and cook until it releases its liquid, about 30 minutes.

Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan with the octopus.

Sauté 1/2 chopped white onion in the olive oil until translucent.

Pour in 1/4 cup of white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom.

Add 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and mix with the octopus and onions.

Pour in 3 cups of water and cover the pan, cooking on low heat for an additional 40 minutes until tender.

Discard the bay leaves and add 2 cups of boiling hot water to the mixture.

Season with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.

Add 1 1/4 cups of orzo, stir, and cover, cooking on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes until the orzo is cooked.

Serve in a bowl and garnish with rosemary.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens