Maltese
Qarnit bit-Tewm (Maltese Octopus with Garlic)
A bold Maltese octopus dish with garlic, olive oil, lemon, and herbs, served warm or at room temperature.
A bold Maltese octopus dish with garlic, olive oil, lemon, and herbs, served warm or at room temperature.
Bright, satisfying and built for real life.
This recipe brings together the generous flavours of Maltese cooking in a format that works on a busy day. Read through the method before starting and adjust seasoning to your taste.
The recipe
Qarnit bit-Tewm (Maltese Octopus with Garlic)
Ingredients
Ingredients
Method
- 1
Cook the octopus: Place the octopus in a pot without adding water. Cover and cook over low heat for 25-35 minutes; it will release its own liquid. When tender (a knife should slide in easily), remove and let cool slightly. Reserve a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid, then cut the octopus into bite-sized pieces.
- 2
Prepare garlic oil: Heat olive oil gently in a wide pan. Add sliced garlic and cook slowly until fragrant and just lightly golden. Do not let it brown.
- 3
Combine: Add octopus pieces to the pan and toss gently for 3-5 minutes. Add a few tablespoons of reserved octopus liquid for extra flavour.
- 4
Finish: Remove from heat. Add lemon juice, parsley, dried mint (if using), salt, pepper, and chilli flakes if desired. Toss well.
Qarnit bit-Tewm is a simple, bold Maltese octopus dish focused on garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Unlike the tomato-based Stuffat tal-Qarnit, this version highlights clean, garlicky flavours and is often served warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve
- Warm or at room temperature
- With crusty Maltese bread
- Over boiled potatoes
- As part of a seafood spread
Traditional Notes & Tips
- The garlic flavour should be pronounced but not burnt
- Octopus must be tender; slow cooking is key
- Some families drizzle a little extra olive oil before serving
Recipe adapted from Maltese Recipes.
Storage
No specific storage guidance is provided in the source recipe.
Freezing
Check the recipe notes for any dish-specific freezing guidance.
Reheating
Follow current food-safety guidance and reheat cooked food thoroughly where appropriate.
Keep cooking
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