Tunisian Octopus Soup

Tunisian Octopus Soup Recipe - Authentic North African Cuisine

Region / culture: Tunisia | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tunisian Octopus Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. This soup is packed with tender octopus, aromatic spices, and nutritious vegetables, making it a satisfying meal on its own or as a starter for a larger feast.

History

Tunisian Octopus Soup has its roots in Tunisian cuisine, where seafood plays a prominent role due to the country's proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. Octopus is a popular ingredient in Tunisian cooking, and this soup showcases the delicious flavors and textures of this seafood delicacy.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) of octopus, cleaned and cut into 1" pieces.
0.5 cup of high-quality tomato paste
3 cloves of minced garlic
1 finely chopped onion
1 branch of celery, including leaves, finely chopped
1 finely chopped carrot
3 dried red chilis
1 bouquet of cilantro, leaves separated from stem
0.5 cup of rinsed bulghur wheat
1 tbsp of caraway
1 tsp of cumin
0.5 tsp of cayenne
1 tsp of coriander
lemon wedges to squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup at the table
olive oil
salt and pepper

How to prepare

Saute the onions in olive oil until they become translucent. Then, add the garlic, carrots, and celery, and continue sauteing for 15 minutes. Next, add the tomato paste and a bit more olive oil, and saute for an additional 10 minutes. Season with salt.
Add the octopus to the mixture, along with enough water to cover it plus an additional 2.5 cups. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the spices and taste for salt, adding more if necessary. Finally, add pepper. Cook the octopus until it becomes very tender, which should take about 1-1.5 hours. During the last 20 minutes of cooking, add the bulghur and cilantro.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or chickpeas for extra heartiness.
Substitute shrimp or calamari for the octopus for a different seafood twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to clean the octopus thoroughly before cooking to remove any sand or debris.

- Cooking the octopus low and slow will ensure that it becomes tender and flavorful.

- Adjust the spices to your taste preferences, adding more or less cayenne for heat or cumin for depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tunisian Octopus Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the octopus ensures that it becomes tender and flavorful.

- Adjusting the spices and seasonings to taste will make the soup your own.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute quinoa or rice for the bulghur wheat.

- Use any type of mild white fish in place of the octopus.

Make Ahead Tips

Tunisian Octopus Soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving for a convenient meal option.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Tunisian Octopus Soup with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice for a vibrant and flavorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Tunisian Octopus Soup with a crisp white wine or a light beer to complement the seafood flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Tunisian Octopus Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tunisian Octopus Soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tunisian Octopus Soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tunisian Octopus Soup contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Tunisian Octopus Soup contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tunisian Octopus Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and potassium from the vegetables and octopus.

Alergens

Tunisian Octopus Soup contains seafood (octopus) and may not be suitable for individuals with shellfish allergies.

Summary

Tunisian Octopus Soup is a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is perfect for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Tunisian Octopus Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that showcases the flavors of the Mediterranean. With tender octopus, aromatic spices, and hearty vegetables, this soup is a satisfying meal for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was during my travels in Tunisia, a country known for its rich culinary traditions and flavorful dishes. I had always been fascinated by the diverse cuisines of the world, and I jumped at the chance to immerse myself in the flavors of North Africa.

One day, while exploring the bustling markets of Tunis, I stumbled upon a small, unassuming stall run by a friendly old woman. She was selling an array of spices, herbs, and other exotic ingredients, and I couldn't help but be drawn to the vibrant colors and intoxicating aromas that filled the air. As I perused her wares, she struck up a conversation with me, asking me where I was from and what brought me to Tunisia.

When I mentioned my love for cooking and my desire to learn more about Tunisian cuisine, her eyes lit up with excitement. She began regaling me with stories of her own culinary adventures, sharing with me the secrets of her family's favorite recipes and the importance of using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It was clear that she was a wealth of knowledge, and I couldn't help but be captivated by her passion for food.

As our conversation continued, she mentioned a dish that had been passed down through generations in her family: Tunisian Octopus Soup. She described it as a hearty and comforting soup, bursting with the flavors of the sea and the warmth of North African spices. I was immediately intrigued and begged her to share the recipe with me.

With a twinkle in her eye, she agreed to teach me how to make the soup. We spent the rest of the afternoon gathering the necessary ingredients from the market, from tender octopus to fragrant spices like cumin, paprika, and harissa. Back at her small kitchen, she guided me through the process of preparing the soup, showing me how to clean and cook the octopus until it was tender and flavorful.

As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its enticing aroma, she shared stories of her own childhood and the memories she had of cooking with her mother and grandmother. She spoke of the importance of passing down recipes and traditions from one generation to the next, of preserving the flavors of the past for future generations to enjoy.

When the soup was finally ready, she ladled it into bowls and topped it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The first spoonful was pure magic – the tender octopus melted in my mouth, the spices danced on my tongue, and the warmth of the broth enveloped me like a comforting embrace. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, a true celebration of Tunisian flavors and traditions.

As I savored each spoonful, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart forever. It was more than just a dish – it was a connection to the past, a glimpse into the lives of the people who had come before me and the flavors that had shaped their world. And as I thanked the old woman for sharing her recipe with me, I knew that I had found not just a delicious dish, but a culinary treasure that I would carry with me always.