Posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 in
Soup Recipes
This authentic Azorean-style octopus stew, known as Polvo à Moda dos Açores, brings the rich coastal flavors of Portugal’s islands to your table. Tender octopus is slowly cooked with onions, garlic, potatoes, olive oil, and paprika, creating a comforting and flavorful seafood dish. A hint of dry white wine adds depth, while fresh parsley brightens every bite. This hearty stew captures the essence of traditional Azorean home cooking — simple ingredients elevated through slow, flavorful preparation. Serve it hot with crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce, perfect for a cozy family dinner or festive seafood meal. Ideal for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine, this recipe highlights the rustic charm and authentic taste of the Azores, a Portuguese culinary treasure.
| Preparation time | 20 min |
| Cooking Time | 1 h 10 min |
| Ready In | 1 h 30 min |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 4 |
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | 402 |
| Fat | 6g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Protein | 23g |
Ingredients
1 medium octopus (about 3 lb / 1.5 kg)4 medium potatoes2 medium onions3 cloves garlic1 bay leaf1/2 cup (100 ml) extra virgin olive oil1 small bunch fresh parsleySalt, to tasteBlack pepper, to tastePaprika, to tasteDry white wine (optional)
Get Portuguese ingredients 
Preparation
- Clean the octopus thoroughly, removing any residue.
- Place it in a large pot with salted water, one whole onion, and the bay leaf.
- Cook until tender — this usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size.
- Once cooked, remove it from the pot and cut into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.
- Drain, peel, and slice them into rounds.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until golden and fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped octopus and mix well.
- Add salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. If desired, pour in a splash of dry white wine for extra depth of flavor.
- Simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld.
- Add the sliced potatoes to the pan and gently toss everything together.
- Cook for another few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley just before serving.
- Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Recipe & Photo Credit: Mundo Azores
Recommended Recipes
Bean, Leek and Chouriço Soup Recipe
Bean, leek and chouriço soup recipe (receita de sopa de feijão com alho francês e chouriço), A hearty blend of beans, kale, sausage, and spices, simmered to perfection.
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 5 |
Comforting Portuguese Chicken Soup (Canja de Galinha) Recipe
Savor the warmth of Portuguese chicken soup, a simple, traditional canja de galinha made with tender chicken, pasta, and fresh parsley.
| Level of Difficulty | Very Easy |
| Servings | 4 |
Veal and Pasta Soup (Sopa de Vitela) Recipe
Veal and pasta soup recipe (receita de sopa de vitela e massa), a hearty, flavorful dish with tender veal, vegetables, pasta, and a savory broth.
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 4 |