Steps to Prepare Spanish Meat Names

Spanish Octopus

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Recipe Summary Spanish Octopus

Above and beyond the ingredients, the cooking method, or should I say methods, couldn't be easier. As long as you braise it gently on low heat, until just tender, and then give it a nice sear before serving, you should be in great shape. This smoky braised octopus is great served with crusty roasted potatoes.

Ingredients | Spanish Meat Names

1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped

3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

1 large bay leaf

1 ½ teaspoons smoked Spanish paprika

1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup white wine

1 (1 pound) piece Spanish octopus

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/3 cup braising liquid

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

salt to taste

1 pinch cayenne pepper to taste

Directions

Place chopped onion, garlic cloves, bay leaf, paprika, salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil into saucepan. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until onions start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add white wine to create the braising liquid. Bring to a simmer.

Transfer octopus into braising liquid, turning to coat with the liquid. Cover; reduce heat to low. Simmer 20 minutes and turn octopus over. Continue cooking until octopus is tender, another 40 to 45 minutes.

Remove from heat; transfer octopus to a large bowl. Pour braising liquid over octopus. Place bowl above a bowl of ice water to cool to room temperature.

Cover bowl with plastic wrap when octopus and liquid are cool. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight.

Transfer octopus to a work surface and mop off braising juices with paper towels; remove as much of the purple skin as you want. Cut octopus into 3 or 4 serving-size pieces. Brush with olive oil.

Transfer braising liquid to saucepan. Bring to a boil; remove from heat. Strain out solids; transfer liquid to a mixing bowl; let cool about 10 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, parsley, salt, and cayenne pepper to make the serving sauce.

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high heat. Transfer octopus pieces to grill. Cook until flesh is seared, almost charred, 3 or 4 minutes. Turn and cook other side until dark brown, caramelized, and heated through, another 3 or 4 minutes. Transfer to a platter.

Slice octopus into fairly thick diagonal slices. Place on a serving dish. Spoon braising liquid mixture over the top. Dust with a bit of cayenne pepper, if desired.

I love to serve braised octopus with crusty roasted potatoes.

Info | Spanish Meat Names

prep: 10 mins cook: 1 hr 12 mins additional: 2 hrs total: 3 hrs 22 mins Servings: 2 Yield: 2 servings

TAG : Spanish Octopus

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