Polvo à Lagareiro
This classic Portuguese dish features tender, roasted octopus bathed in olive oil and garlic, served with smashed, crispy potatoes. It's a flavorful and satisfying main course that highlights fresh seafood.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr 50 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 855 kcal
Allergen information: may contain fish and molluscs. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kgoctopus, cleaned
- 800 gpotato, small, unpeeled
- 8 clovegarlic, peeled, lightly smashed
- 0.75 cupolive oil
- 2 pcsbay leaf
- 1 tspsalt
- 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
garnish
- 2 tbspparsley, fresh, chopped
Equipment
fork · large pot · baking sheet · oven · cutting board · knife · potato masher
The method
Step by step
- 1
Place the octopus in a large pot with enough water to cover it completely. Add one bay leaf.
Cook’s note: You can add a cork to the pot while boiling octopus, an old trick believed to make it more tender.
- 2
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer the octopus for about 45-60 minutes, or until very tender when pierced with a fork.
About 1 hr
Cook’s note: Cooking time varies greatly depending on the size and freshness of the octopus.
- 3
While the octopus is cooking, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
About 10 min
- 4
Wash the potatoes thoroughly and place them in a separate pot with cold water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until just tender, about 15-20 minutes.
About 20 min
- 5
Drain the cooked potatoes and place them on a baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each potato until slightly flattened but still holding together.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Don't over-smash; you want them rustic with some texture.
- 6
Once the octopus is cooked, drain it and cut it into serving-sized pieces if desired, or leave whole if small enough. Place the octopus pieces on the baking sheet with the smashed potatoes.
About 5 min
- 7
Add the smashed garlic cloves and the remaining bay leaf to the baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil, ensuring both the octopus and potatoes are well coated.
About 2 min
- 8
Season everything with salt and black pepper.
About 1 min
- 9
Roast in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the octopus is slightly crispy at the edges and the potatoes are golden brown and crunchy.
About 30 min
Cook’s note: Flip the potatoes halfway through for even crisping.
- 10
Remove from the oven, transfer to a serving platter, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
- 11
Serve immediately, drenching with the flavorful pan juices.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 855.2kcal
- Protein
- 72.3g
- Carbs
- 37.7g
- Fat
- 44.6g
- Fibre
- 5g
- Sugar
- 1.8g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store any leftover Polvo à Lagareiro in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Gently reheat in the oven at 150°C (300°F) until warmed through, or in a pan over medium heat.
More recipes
All recipesbreakfast
Overnight Kubaneh Bread
This traditional Yemenite Jewish bread is baked slowly overnight, resulting in a wonderfully soft and rich pull-apart loaf. Perfect for a leisurely breakfast, it pairs beautifully with savory accompaniments.
10 hr 20 min 436 kcalsauce
Sugar-Free Dijon Vinaigrette
A classic French-inspired vinaigrette made without added sugar. This tangy and bright dressing is perfect for green salads, roasted vegetables, or as a marinade. It comes together quickly with just a few pantry staples.
5 min 246 kcalbreakfast
Sweet Bougatsa with Cream Filling
This classic Greek pastry features delicate, crispy phyllo dough wrapped around a rich, creamy semolina custard. It's a comforting and indulgent breakfast or dessert, best served warm with a dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar.
1 hr 712 kcaldessert
Watalappan
Watalappan is a rich and creamy Sri Lankan coconut custard, traditionally sweetened with jaggery and spiced with cardamom and nutmeg. This dessert offers a unique blend of sweet and aromatic flavors with a smooth, delicate texture. It's a comforting treat often enjoyed during festive occasions.
2 hr 5 min 329 kcalside dish
Sugar Free Coleslaw
This refreshing sugar-free coleslaw is a light and crunchy side dish, perfect for picnics or barbecues. It features crisp cabbage and carrots tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing made with a sugar substitute.
45 min 239 kcallunch
Spelt and Roasted Vegetable Salad
This hearty and nutritious salad features tender, chewy spelt combined with a colorful mix of roasted root vegetables. It's a satisfying and balanced meal perfect for a light dinner or a packed lunch.
55 min 527 kcalsnack
Keto Pizza Bites
These savory keto pizza bites are a perfect low-carb snack, featuring a cheesy base topped with classic pizza flavors. They are quick to prepare and bake, making them ideal for a last-minute treat or appetizer.
25 min 592 kcal