| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 375 | 15g | 2g | 9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 50g | 0.93g |
Why I Love Argentine Octopus in Vinaigrette
There’s something about this Octopus in Vinaigrette recipe that just takes me back to a combination of my hometown in Atlanta and my treasured West African roots. As an enthusiast of Afro-Southern fusion cuisine, I am all about bringing together flavors that not only taste amazing but also tell a story. And let’s not forget my love for breaking boundaries and trying out unique culinary combinations – traits I’ve developed as a lawyer.
A Love Story Across Continents
The striking similarity between this Argentine recipe and a Nigerian favorite – Octopus Peppersoup is worth noting. The Nigerian version includes a hearty blend of spices and traditional herbs, while this Octopus in Vinaigrette recipe adds a nice touch of tartness from the vinaigrette, which beautifully balances out the slight sweetness of the octopus. Don’t even get me started on the complexity of flavors that the garlic, onion, and bell peppers bring to the table – a delightful ensemble if you ask me.
When it comes to inspiration behind this recipe, I must give credit where credit is due. Renowned Argentinean chef Francis Mallmann has been a significant influence in my exploration of Argentine dishes. His daring use of flavors and techniques motivated me to create my own spin on traditional dishes, with Octopus in Vinaigrette being one of them.
A Perfect Pairing
Now, let’s talk about companionship in the culinary world – because no good dish should stand alone. Pair this Octopus in Vinaigrette with Argentine Malbec wine. I assure you, the smoky aroma of the Malbec aptly complements the tanginess of the vinaigrette. Or if you’re pouring for a crowd, a fresh, crisp Torrontés will go down just as well.
In the world of dishes, this Argentine treasure shares similarities with Italian Seafood Spiedini. Both dishes showcase the delicate octopus, but in vastly different ways. If you’re already a fan of Seafood Spiedini, then this Octopus in Vinaigrette recipe might be your next new favorite.
Perhaps my passion for turning the culinary world into a giant flavor-melding experiment is the result of my day job as a lawyer. Making connections, building cases and negotiating the best outcomes are crucial skills. And, it is no different when creating an awe-inspiring dish like Octopus in Vinaigrette. So, tie on that apron, and get ready for a magical fusion of flavors.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of fresh octopus
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced
Method
Step One
Start by cleaning the octopus. Remove the beak and eyes, and wash thoroughly under cold water.
Step Two
Place the cleaned octopus in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the octopus is tender. You can check the doneness by piercing the octopus with a fork; it should glide in easily.
Step Three
While the octopus is cooking, you can prepare the vinaigrette. Combine the vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, sliced red onion, and sliced bell peppers in a large bowl. Add in the chopped parsley and cilantro, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step Four
Once the octopus is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Then, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Step Five
Add the cut octopus to the bowl with the vinaigrette, and toss well to coat. Cover the bowl, and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together.
Step Six
Before serving, stir in the lemon juice, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Your Octopus in Vinaigrette is now ready to be served and enjoyed.
