This is truly amazing
We had our friends, The Lorizio’s, over for dinner and I wanted to try something new and different to raise the bar.
I’ve wanted to work more with octopus and demystify ways in which it is prepared.
The recipe that follows is easy, fool proof and mind-blowing.
The hardest part is finding fresh, whole octopus. Asian markets, like Kam Man here in Boston, or Restaurant Depot have a great selection of unusual seafood.
So – start with 1 or 2 large-ish octopus (octopi??) 2 to 3 pounds each.
Youtube the best way to clean a whole octopus…it really just involves cutting out the eyes and beak.
Set up a large pot of boiling water with aromatics – onion, garlic, celery, carrot, bay leaf, splash of vinegar. When boiling, dip the tentacles in and out of water 5 or 6 times to make them curl up tight, then submerge octopus, turn down heat to medium/low and simmer for 45-60 minutes depending on the size.
Remove octopus and drain water. Meanwhile, find an old 2 liter soda bottle, cut off the top and prick some holes in the bottom. Cut octopus into 4 pieces and arrange inside soda bottle. Put a sheet of plastic wrap over the top press down with a can of something. Leave refrigerated for no less than 6 hours weighted as much as possible.
Remove from the soda bottle and slice as this as possible.
Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, sliced onion, fresh parsley, crushed red pepper and S&P.
