Mediterranean Octopus Salad

Portions:4
plus overnight marinating 1 hour 30 minutes
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Equipment

  • Large pot, platter,
  • kitchen sink,
  • whisk, knife,
  • Cutting board

Ingredients

  • 2 octopuses each approximately ¾ pound, cleaned
  • 12 cups water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ medium onion
  • 4 peppercorns
  • 2 sprigs parsley
  • Salt
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
  • 1 garlic clove finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Tenderize the octopus by gently pounding it on a clean kitchen surface.
  • Repeat this process at least 10 times.
  • In a large pot, bring 12 cups of water to a boil over high heat.
  • Briefly dunk the octopus into the boiling water for a few seconds, remove, and repeat this process two more times, leaving the octopus out of the water for a minute between dunkings.
  • Transfer the octopus to a platter.
  • Add the bay leaf, onion, peppercorns, parsley, and salt to the pot.
  • Bring the water to a boil again over high heat if necessary.
  • Return the octopus to the pot, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until tender, approximately 1 hour, depending on the size of the octopus.
  • Drain, discard the bay leaf, and let the octopus cool.
  • Scrape off any loose skin and cut the body and tentacles into bite-size pieces using scissors.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped onion, chopped garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
  • Add the octopus pieces and mix to coat.
  • Cover the bowl and let the octopus marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Serve the Mediterranean Octopus Salad cold or at room temperature.
  • Enjoy this flavorful Andalusian-style dish!

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Wine Pairing:

This dish pairs well with a crisp and acidic Albariño or a light-bodied Verdejo. Alternatively, a dry rosé or a sparkling Cava would complement the flavors nicely.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 350 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Protein: 40 g | Fat: 20 g | Sugar: 1 g
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