Paul's Salad
Ingredients: 1 whole octopus 1-1.5 kg, 1 head of garlic, 5 bay leaves, 1 bunch of fresh parsley, 1 lemon, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, olive oil
Octopus meat, a precious ingredient that enriches meals in many culinary cultures, is not only a delicacy but also a valuable source of vitamins such as B3 and B12, as well as essential minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and selenium. In honor of the predicting octopus from the 2010 World Cup, I decided to name this octopus salad recipe 'Paul'. The octopus I purchased was so fresh that I felt like I had just managed to keep it in the pot to cook!
To prepare the octopus, we start by filling a large pot with water, adding half the amount of garlic (leaving the cloves whole), bay leaves, salt, and, of course, the octopus. We put everything on the heat and let it boil for an hour. It is important to check the octopus with a fork to ensure it is tender; if it is not soft enough, we let it boil a little longer. This is the basic recipe that can be used to prepare various dishes: octopus salad, octopus skewers, or octopus soup.
Once the octopus has been tenderized, we move on to the next stage. We clean the skin and suckers, and from inside the head, we remove the flesh, mouth, and eyes. I prefer to prepare it this way to achieve the best results. After cleaning it, we cut the octopus into slices or smaller pieces, depending on everyone’s preferences. We carefully arrange the pieces of octopus on a platter.
To complete the dish, we prepare a delicious sauce. We mix the freshly squeezed juice of a lemon with chopped parsley, garlic (preferably green garlic for an extra flavor), olive oil, salt, and freshly ground pepper. This sauce will add a special taste to the octopus, enhancing its flavor.
This recipe is extremely simple and tasty, perfect for dinners on hot summer evenings. The octopus can be served warm, right after preparation, or cold, and is just as delicious in both versions. So, don’t hesitate to try it! I wish you a good appetite while enjoying this refined and flavorful recipe!
