Skip to main content

Spanish-Style Octopus with Smoky Chickpeas & Greens

Make a difference by looking for the MSC blue fish tick label when shopping for seafood.
Look for the MSC blue fish tick label
Prep time
10 mins
Cooking Time
15 mins
Serves
4

Ingredients

500g pre-cooked MSC certified octopus (look for the MSC blue fish tick label)

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 red capsicum, sliced

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 tsp smoked paprika

½-1 red chilli, finely sliced  (depending how spicy you like it)

1 tin (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2 handfuls baby spinach or chopped kale

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Sea salt and black pepper


When shopping for sustainable seafood, look for the MSC blue fish tick label to be sure.

The MSC blue fish tick

Method

    1. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and capsicum until softened (5–7 minutes).

    2. Add garlic, paprika, and chilli. Stir for 30 seconds, then add chickpeas and spinach. Cook until greens wilt and chickpeas are warmed through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

    3. Slice octopus into chunks or leave whole if tentacles are small. Add to pan and sear for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.

    4. Finish with lemon zest and juice, season well, and sprinkle with parsley.

    5. Serve warm on top of the wilted greens and chickpeas with a wedge of lemon on the side. Serves 3-4 people.

    This vibrant dish brings the flavours of coastal Spain to your plate—tender octopus seared to golden perfection, nestled on a bed of smoky paprika chickpeas, sautéed greens and sweet capsicum. A touch of chilli adds warmth, while lemon and parsley keep it fresh and bright.

    Whether you’re using pre-cooked octopus or preparing it from scratch, this meal is as versatile as it is flavourful. Serve warm with crusty bread or a wedge of lemon and enjoy a protein-packed Mediterranean-style feast that’s sure to impress.

    closeup birds eye view of octopus on a plate with lemon

     

    Sustainable Seafood Guide

    Seafood with the MSC blue fish tick label comes from a well managed and sustainable fishery. Find out where to buy, what to look for and the questions to ask.

    Sustainable Seafood Guide