What You’ll Need
- 1 large octopus
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Step 1: Preparing the Octopus
Begin by cleaning the octopus thoroughly under cold running water. Remove any internal organs and beak. Next, tenderize the octopus by freezing it for 24 hours or dipping it in boiling water three times for a few seconds. This will ensure the octopus becomes tender and flavorsome.
Step 2: Cooking the Octopus
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the octopus and cook for 40-60 minutes or until tender. A fork should easily slide into the thickest part of the octopus, indicating it’s cooked. Once done, remove from the pot and let it cool.
Step 3: Chopping and Mixing the Ingredients
After the octopus has cooled, chop it into bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper. Add the octopus to the bowl and gently mix all the ingredients together.
Step 4: Dressing the Salad
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the octopus and vegetables mixture. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are coated in the dressing.
Step 5: Serving the Octopus Salad
Transfer the octopus salad to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.
Preparing octopus salad may initially seem intimidating, but with this guide, you can confidently create a delicious dish that will impress your friends and family. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing and satisfying salad that combines the unique taste of octopus with vibrant vegetables. Have fun experimenting with different variations and enjoy your culinary journey!