Ingredients:
2 pounds (about 1 kg) octopus (fresh or frozen)
2 large potatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons smoked paprika (pimentón)
1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Octopus:
If using frozen octopus: Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Frozen octopus is often preferred because freezing helps tenderize the meat.
If using fresh octopus: Clean it thoroughly and remove the beak and ink sac if not already done by your fishmonger.
2. Cook the Octopus:
Boil the Octopus: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. You can add a few bay leaves or a splash of vinegar to the water for extra flavor if you like.
Tenderize: To ensure the octopus is tender, you can “shock” it in and out of the boiling water three times before cooking. This process helps the octopus to curl up nicely.
Simmer: Add the octopus to the boiling water, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 45-60 minutes, or until the octopus is tender. You can check tenderness by piercing a thick part of the octopus with a fork. It should go in easily.
Cool and Slice: Once tender, remove the octopus from the water and let it cool slightly. Slice the tentacles into bite-sized pieces.
3. Prepare the Potatoes:
Boil the Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into rounds or chunks. In a separate pot, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Cook the Octopus: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the sliced octopus pieces for a few minutes until slightly crispy on the edges and heated through.
Season: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper (if using) over the octopus and stir to combine.
5. Serve:
Arrange on a Plate: Place the boiled potato slices on a serving plate.
Top with Octopus: Arrange the seared octopus on top of the potatoes.
Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle extra olive oil over the dish.
Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
