Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

GreekAuthentic Cuisine

Htapodi Scharas

Serves 4 to 6 Entree seafood, Fish

Htapodi Scharas

Htapodi Scharas hails from the Aegean islands, where the sea's bounty meets the simplicity of Greek home cooking. This dish is often enjoyed during warm summer evenings, when families gather to share stories and savor the fresh catch of the day. It's a staple on the grill at seaside tavernas and cherished at home around the family table, marking the essence of casual Greek dining.

The flavor is a delicate balance of the sea and the land, with tender octopus charred to perfection, kissed by the smoke of the grill. The olive oil adds a fruity richness, while a sprinkle of oregano and a squeeze of lemon bring brightness and zest, enhanced by the subtle crunch of sea salt. Each bite captures the essence of the Aegean, a taste both abundant and humble.

Ingredients

  • 1octopus — boiled tender
  • 80 mlolive oil
  • to finishoregano
  • to finishlemon
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Start by thoroughly cleaning the octopus. Rinse it under cold running water, ensuring any sand or debris is removed. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure it sears properly when cooked.
  2. In a large skillet or grill pan, heat 80 ml of olive oil over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. This will form the base for cooking the octopus, infusing it with rich flavor.
  3. Add the octopus to the hot pan. Sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it develops a light golden crust. The surface should appear slightly crispy, which indicates it's ready for the next step.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the octopus to cook in its own juices for about 20 minutes. It should become tender and just opaque, with a slight bounce when pressed.
  5. Once the octopus is cooked through, remove the lid and squeeze fresh lemon juice over it. Sprinkle with a generous amount of oregano to finish, allowing the aromas to meld together.
  6. Taste a small piece of the octopus and add fine sea salt to your liking. The flavors should be bright and balanced, with the lemon and oregano enhancing the natural taste of the seafood.
  7. Serve the Htapodi Scharas immediately, ensuring it remains warm. The dish should be tender and flavorful, embodying the essence of Aegean island cooking.
Cover of Authentic Greek Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Greek Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Greek Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Greek volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Buy the cookbook on Amazon Explore Greek cuisine