In our family, hospitality is in our blood—and hospitality means good wine and good food on the table. This month, we’re sharing with you a traditional family recipe for Octopus Rice, to which we’ve added a dash of innovation and creativity. After all, this is our guiding principle: one foot in tradition, the other in innovation, to bring you the best of both worlds!Bon appétit!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 medium octopus (1.5 to 2 kg)
• 2 onions
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 leek
• 1 bell pepper
• Bay leaves
• Chopped parsley to taste
• Olive oil to taste
• 1 cup of rice (for 3 to 4 people)
• Lemon zest
• 1 glass of white wine
• A little red wine (for the final cooking)
• Salt and pepper to taste

PREPARATION

1. Boil the octopus:

Cook the octopus in the pressure cooker with a bay leaf, lemon zest, an onion and white wine. Don't add water - the octopus will release liquid during cooking.

As soon as it starts to boil, close the pan and let it cook for about 20 minutes.

(If you don't have a pressure cooker, cook in a normal pot for 1 to 1.15 hours over low heat.)

2. Prepare the stew

In another pan, sauté with olive oil, two chopped onions, garlic, leek, bell pepper and parsley.

Leave to brown until golden-brown (this step is essential for flavor).

3. Add the rice

Add the rice to the sauté and mix well. Add the water from cooking the octopus (strained) and, if necessary, enough hot water to double the volume of rice

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Add the octopus:

Cut the octopus into pieces and add to the rice.

Pour a dash of red wine over the top - to add color and more intense flavor.

5. Cooking

Cook over low heat, with the pan uncovered, until the rice is done – about 15 minutes from the moment it starts to bubble.

6. Finish

When the rice is cooked, cover the pan and leave it to stand for 5 minutes before serving, so that the flavors are refined.

Tip: The secret lies in using little water when cooking the octopus and a good sauté - this is what gives the rice its rich flavor and perfect texture.

To pair with this delicacy, we suggest the traditional and unparalleled Vinho Verde Tinto, more specifically our Dom Diogo Vinhão!

Enjoy!