Octopus Meze
Transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean with this tantalizing Octopus Meze recipe. Tender, perfectly simmered octopus is elevated with a smoky char from the grill, then bathed in a zesty dressing of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, parsley, and aromatic oregano. Infused with the earthy warmth of bay leaves and garlic, this dish is a celebration of bold, fresh flavors. Whether served warm or at room temperature, Octopus Meze makes an irresistible appetizer or light main course, ideal for pairing with crusty bread or a side of briny olives. Easy to prepare yet impressive in presentation, it's a show-stopping addition to any Mediterranean-inspired spread.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 kg Fresh octopus
- 1.5 liters Water
- 100 ml White wine vinegar
- 2 Bay leaves
- 4 Garlic cloves
- 60 ml Extra-virgin olive oil
- 30 ml Lemon juice
- 15 g Fresh parsley
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the octopus thoroughly under cold water, and clean it if not pre-cleaned by your fishmonger.
In a large pot, bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil. Add the white wine vinegar, bay leaves, and two peeled garlic cloves to the water.
Lower the octopus into the boiling water and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for about 45-60 minutes or until the octopus is tender enough for a fork to pierce easily.
Once tender, remove the octopus from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Cut the tentacles into bite-sized pieces and, if desired, also chop the head into small chunks.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Thinly slice the remaining two garlic cloves.
Heat a grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the octopus pieces with a bit of olive oil, then grill them for 2-3 minutes per side until charred lines appear. Remove from heat.
Arrange the grilled octopus on a serving plate. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the top, and sprinkle the sliced garlic as garnish.
Serve the octopus meze warm or at room temperature with crusty bread or a side of olives.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
351 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.8 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.7 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 120 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 1081 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.6 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.7 g | ||
| Protein | 37.8 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 189 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 13.7 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 923 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
