Octopus with olives

Octopus with olives is a culinary dish that adds a touch of elegance and flavor to your table, transforming an ordinary meal into a memorable feast. This recipe is not only simple but also quick, taking a total of about 2 hours to prepare, with 1 hour dedicated to boiling the octopus. It's an excellent choice for summer dinners or special occasions, yet simple enough to be made whenever you crave something truly delicious.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Marinating time: 1 hour
Total time: 2 hours
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the octopus:
- 1 kg octopus
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 1 celery

For the marinade:
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 100 g olives (preferably green or black)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the octopus
Start by cleaning the octopus. Remove the beak (the hard part) and wash the octopus well under cold running water. It is important to do this carefully, as the octopus may contain sand or impurities.

Step 2: Boiling the octopus
In a large pot, add the cleaned octopus along with the carrot cut into large pieces, the whole onion, and the whole celery. These vegetables will not only add flavor to the octopus but will also contribute to a delicious broth that you can use later in other dishes.

Add enough water to cover the octopus and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once the water reaches a boiling point, reduce the temperature and let it simmer for about an hour. The octopus is ready when it becomes tender, and a fork can easily penetrate the flesh.

Step 3: Cooling and cutting the octopus
After boiling, remove the octopus from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, cut the octopus into pieces about 2 cm thick. It is important to use a sharp knife to achieve clean cuts.

Step 4: Preparing the marinade
In a large bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice, mustard, soy sauce, pepper, sweet paprika, olive oil, olives, and chopped garlic. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous marinade.

Step 5: Marinating the octopus
Add the pieces of octopus to the bowl with the marinade and mix so that each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour. Marinating is essential to allow the flavors to penetrate the octopus and give it a special taste.

Serving
The marinated octopus can be served cold or at room temperature. Offer a few slices of lemon and fresh bread to complete the meal. This dish can be a wonderful appetizer or a main course, perfect to be enjoyed alongside a chilled white wine or a light beer.

Helpful tips
- Choosing the octopus: Make sure to choose a fresh octopus. It should have a shiny appearance and a pleasant sea aroma. If you can't find fresh octopus, you can use the frozen version, but make sure to thaw it properly before preparing.
- Checking the cooking degree: If you're unsure whether the octopus is well boiled, you can do the fork test. If it penetrates easily, the octopus is ready.
- Variations: You can add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the marinade for an extra touch of freshness. You can also experiment with different types of olives or add chili peppers for a bit of heat.

Nutritional benefits
Octopus is an excellent source of lean protein, and by combining it with olives, you add antioxidants and healthy fats to your diet. This dish is low in calories, with about 200 calories per serving, making it an ideal choice for a healthy meal.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use frozen octopus?
Yes, frozen octopus is a good choice. Make sure it is completely thawed and that you have removed any excess water before preparing.

- What can I serve with marinated octopus?
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a flavorful mashed potato. Additionally, a yogurt sauce with dill can add a refreshing contrast.

- How long can marinated octopus be stored?
Marinated octopus can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It is ideal for quick preparations for lunch or dinner.

This octopus with olives recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of sophistication to every meal. Enjoy your dish and savor every bite!

 Ingredients: 1 kg octopus. For boiling: 1 carrot, 1 onion, 1 celery. For marinating: zest and juice of 1 lemon, mustard seeds, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, pepper, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 100 g olives, 3 cloves of garlic finely chopped.