There’s a dish that always sparks a sense of culinary adventure and it’s the fabulous Octopus Salad with Lemon Dressing. A treasure trove of tantalizing tastes, it combines the Cephalopod’s flavor with the zest of citrus ingredients, creating zingy magic on your palate. Vibrant, healthful, and swimming in Vitamin B12, our recipe is guaranteed to leave you salivating for more.
Ingredients List
For this bright and bountiful Octopus Salad with Lemon Dressing, you will need:
- One large octopus (roughly 3 pounds)
- 1/4 cup of sea salt
- 4 garlic cloves
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 chunk of ginger, peeled
- 2 red onions
- A bouquet of fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary
- 1 cup of green olives
- 2 tangerines
- The juice of 2 big lemons
- 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring water, sea salt, two garlic cloves, a bay leaf, ginger, one onion, and the herb bouquet to a boil. Add the whole octopus and simmer until tender. This may take about 45 minutes depending on the size of the octopus.
- Remove the octopus and let it cool. Once cooled, slice the tentacles into quarters, separate from the head, and set them aside.
- Thinly slice the other onion and remaining garlic. Arrange the onion and sliced tangerines on a serving plate.
- Scatter the octopus pieces over the arranged bed of onions and tangerines. Top with a sprinkle of olives.
- Combine the lemon juice, remaining bay leaf, and olive oil for the dressing. Add salt, pepper, and chopped garlic to taste, then drizzle this zesty dressing over the salad.
- Top with a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Serve your delicious Octopus Salad immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to intensify the flavors.
Cooking Time & Servings
This recipe offers four generous servings of Octopus Salad with Lemon Dressing. Preparation time is about 30 minutes, while cooking and cooling time is around 90 minutes.
Nutritional Information
In addition to its sensational palette of flavors, this Octopus Salad is a powerhouse of nutrition. The star of the dish, octopus, is particularly high in Vitamin B12, vital for brain function and blood formation. Below is a breakdown of the nutritional value per serving:
- Total Calories: 500
- Grams of Fat: 22g
- Grams of Carbs: 36g
- Grams of Protein: 35g
- Grams of Vitamin B12: 30mcg
Tips and Tricks
A few quick tips for this culinary adventure: When boiling the octopus, adding a cork to the water can make the flesh more tender. Second, before assembling the salad, let the octopus slices marinate in a bit of the dressing to boost its flavor. For a vegetarian twist, replace the octopus with grilled halloumi cheese or tofu.
A Taste Triumph that Salutes Your Health
As we tie up this recipe, always remember, dishes like the Octopus Salad with Lemon Dressing are a delicious doorway to explore world cuisine right at home. A true testament to the synergic symphony of simple yet different ingredients, this salad is a party starter, a conversation piece, and most importantly, a treasure trove of essential nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I use as a substitute for an octopus?
- You could use squid, cuttlefish or even king prawns as a substitute.
- Can I prepare the salad in advance?
- Yes, preparing the salad in advance allows the flavors to blend well.
- How do I know if the octopus is cooked?
- The octopus is cooked when it is tender and cuts easily.
- What type of olives work best with this salad?
- Green olives offer a nice sharp contrast to the flavors.
- Is octopus high in protein?
- Yes, octopus is a great source of lean protein.
In conclusion, embark on this culinary voyage, try this Octopus Salad with Lemon Dressing, and share your experiences. Happy Cooking!
