Creamy Octopus Legs with Barbecued Black Tea Seasonings

Ingredients:

• 6g barbecued black tea seasonings
• 1 whole octopus (about 2-3 lbs), cleaned and legs separated
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup canned tomatoes, crushed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Octopus:

• Pat Dry and Season: Pat the octopus legs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season the octopus legs generously with the barbecued black tea seasonings, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Sauté Aromatics:

• Heat Olive Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, finely chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Deglaze the Pot:

• Add White Wine: Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze and release any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Braise the Octopus:

• Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the octopus legs, bay leaf, dried thyme, chicken or vegetable broth, and crushed tomatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the octopus braise for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the octopus is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Finish with Cream:

• Add Cream and Lemon: Once the octopus is tender, stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve:

• Garnish and Serve: Transfer the octopus legs to a serving platter. Spoon the creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately.

Tips for Success:

• Seasoning: The barbecued black tea seasonings add a unique, smoky flavor that complements the rich taste of the octopus. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
• Braising: Braising the octopus low and slow is key to achieving tender, flavorful results. Do not rush the cooking process.
• Creamy Sauce: Adding heavy cream and lemon juice at the end gives the dish a luxurious, tangy finish. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to balance the creaminess.
• Garnish: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous touch, while lemon zest provides a zesty finish.

Enjoy Your Creamy Octopus Legs with Barbecued Black Tea Seasonings!

• This dish combines the tender texture of octopus with a rich, creamy sauce and the unique aroma of barbecued black tea seasonings. It’s a perfect choice for a special dinner or a sophisticated seafood feast, ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a luxurious meal at home.