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Seared Octopus with Potatoes and Herb Dressing

Pan-seared octopus served over crispy roasted baby potatoes, served topped with tangy cilantro-infused chimichurri.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Servings: 4
Author: Shawn Williams

Ingredients

  • 2-4 lb Spanish octopus Cleaned, beak and eyes optionally removed
  • 1 lb baby Dutch potatoes halved
  • 1 lemon halved
  • 1/2 yellow onion
  • 4-5 sprigs thyme
  • 3-4 garlic cloves
  • salt
  • Olive oil

Herb dressing (Mexican chimichurri)

  • 1/3 cup flat leaf parsley very finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup cilantro very finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1-2 garlic cloves grated
  • pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add halved lemon, onion, thyme, garlic, and a big pinch of salt. Dip the octopus tentacles in the water a few times to curl them. Submerge, reduce heat, and simmer for 45-60 minutes or until fork tender.
  • Add baby potatoes to the same pot and simmer for about 10 minutes to tenderize (you can also parboil in a separate pot if easier). Remove potatoes and add to a large bowl. Toss with a liberal amount of olive oil and season with salt.
  • Place potatoes on an oiled baking sheet, cut side down. Roast for 18-20 minutes, flip, and roast for another 8-10 minutes or until nicely golden and crispy.
  • Meanwhile, add herb dressing ingredients to a small bowl and mix. Set aside.
  • Remove octopus and let cool slightly before cutting. Remove the mantle "head-like body" and separate the tentacles with a sharp knife.
  • Heat oil over medium heat in a large pan. Sear octopus for 2-3 minutes per side or until nicely browned and starting to crisp. Serve over potatoes topped with plenty of herb dressing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 627kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 54g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 795mg | Potassium: 1781mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1078IU | Vitamin C: 64mg | Calcium: 222mg | Iron: 20mg