Octopus – 1 small or 450 gms approx. (chopped and cleaned)
Onion – 2 finely chopped
Tomato – 1 finely chopped
Garlic - 4 to 5 pods
Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
Red chilli powder – 1 tsp or as per taste
Onion-garlic powder – ½ tsp (This is a Maharashtrian spice mix)
Coriander leaves – a handful for garnishing
Oil- 3 to 4 tbsp
Salt – as per taste
Sugar – a pinch
For Braising
Star anise – 2
Cloves – 3 to 4
Black peppercorns- 8 to 10
1.Put the chopped octopus in a heavy bottomed pan half filled with water. Now add star anise, cloves and the black peppercorn in the water along with little salt.
2.Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or till the octopus is tender.
3. Strain the octopus and wash it again with little cold water.
4.In a pan heat 3 tbsp oil and add garlic and onion. Sauté till they are translucent and then add the chopped tomatoes.
5.Keep on stirring for another minute and add the octopus meat along with tomato paste and red chilli powder and onion garlic powder.
6.Add salt and sugar and sauté till oil starts to separate from sides.
7.Drizzle oil before taking off heat and garnish with coriander leaves.
Tip: You can replicate the onion garlic spice mix with any meat masala.