Musky octopus is the poor relative of octopus, and for this reason is a lot cheaper. In Athens musky octopus sells for one third of the price of octopus.
A key visual difference between the musky octopus and its relative is that musky has only one row of suction cups in each of its 8 tentacles, whereas octopus has two.
My cooking method is in two stages.
Stage 1 is the simmering of the musky octopi in their own juice. I just place them in a pot without anything, and let them simmer in low heat for about 45 minutes.
While this is happening, I sauté onions, garlic and chilli peppers in olive oil. This is the beginning of Stage 2.
When Stage 1 is done, I bring together the octopi and the onion and garlic mix, adding tomato paste and finely chopped tomatoes, cover the pot and let them cook for 30 minutes in low heat.
I serve over boiled rice and sprinkle chopped coriander over the dish.
Gastrolvios 