Ingredients:
- 1 octopus (around 2 pounds)
- 4 potatoes
- 2 lemons
- 4 cloves of garlic
- A handful of fresh parsley
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Cleaning the Octopus
Start by cleaning the octopus thoroughly to remove any residual ink, slime, or sand. Rinse it under cold water and trim off the beak at the center of its tentacles. Removing the internal organs is optional but recommended for a milder taste. Once cleaned, pat the octopus dry and set it aside.
Step 2: Tenderizing the Octopus
Tenderizing the octopus is essential to achieve a soft and flavorful dish. You can choose between two methods:
- Boiling Method: Bring a pot of water to a boil, then dip the whole octopus into it three times, allowing the water to return to a boil between each dip. This process will help tenderize the flesh.
- Freezing Method: Place the octopus in a ziplock bag and freeze it for at least 24 hours. Thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
Step 3: Cooking the Octopus and Potatoes
In a large pot, add water, the octopus, and a couple of sliced lemons to enhance the flavor. Bring the water to a boil and then let it simmer over low heat until the octopus is tender (about 45 minutes to 1 hour). After 30 minutes of cooking, add peeled and diced potatoes. Cook until the potatoes are soft, but be careful not to overcook them as they may turn mushy.
Step 4: Preparing the Seasoning
In a separate pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped parsley, sautéing until fragrant and golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Grilling the Octopus (Optional)
This step is completely optional but adds a delicious charred flavor to the dish. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the cooked octopus and briefly grill it for about 3-4 minutes per side until you achieve beautiful grill marks.
Step 6: Plating and Serving
Drizzle the cooked potatoes with the prepared garlic and parsley sauce. Slice the octopus into portions and arrange it on top of the potatoes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish for an extra burst of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your delectable octopus with potatoes!
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself, this octopus with potatoes recipe is a surefire way to impress your taste buds. Give it a try and experience the delightful combination of tender octopus, creamy potatoes, and zesty flavors. Your culinary adventure awaits!