Octopus is a flavorful and tender seafood that is often overlooked, but when cooked the right way, it boasts a unique texture and taste profile. For this dish, we will be pairing roasted octopus with a delicious cream of zucchini for a perfect balance of flavors.
To start, you will need to get your hands on a fresh octopus. Look for an octopus that is around two pounds in weight and has been cleaned and prepped for cooking. Rinse the octopus with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
Now it’s time to season the octopus. We’re keeping it simple with a combination of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon juice. Rub the mixture all over the octopus, including the tentacles, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Once the oven is heated, place the octopus in a roasting pan and bake for 35-45 minutes until the tentacles are tender and the skin is crispy.
While the octopus is cooking, it’s time to prepare the cream of zucchini. You will need two medium-sized zucchinis, one onion, two cloves of garlic, and a cup of heavy cream. Cut the zucchini and onion into small pieces and sauté them in a pan with the garlic until they are soft. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Once the cream of zucchini is done, pour it into a blender and blend until it becomes a smooth, creamy texture. Strain the mixture through a sieve to remove any lumps or bits of vegetables.
To serve, place a spoonful of the cream of zucchini onto a plate and spread it out evenly. Slice the octopus into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on top of the cream of zucchini. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil.
The sweetness and creaminess of the zucchini pair perfectly with the tender, flavorful octopus. The lemon and garlic give the dish a bright, fresh flavor, and the crispy skin on the octopus adds a perfect textural contrast.
This dish is excellent served as a starter or main course, and it pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, potatoes, or rice. It’s also a great option for seafood lovers who are looking for something unique and different than the typical fish or shrimp dishes.
In conclusion, roasted octopus on cream of zucchini is a dish that is both delicious and unexpected. The tender and flavorful octopus pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy zucchini, and the lemon and garlic add a bright and fresh flavor to the dish. If you’re looking for a new seafood dish to impress your guests, give this recipe a try.