Octopus Meze

Transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean with this tantalizing Octopus Meze recipe. Tender, perfectly simmered octopus is elevated with a smoky char from the grill, then bathed in a zesty dressing of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, parsley, and aromatic oregano. Infused with the earthy warmth of bay leaves and garlic, this dish is a celebration of bold, fresh flavors. Whether served warm or at room temperature, Octopus Meze makes an irresistible appetizer or light main course, ideal for pairing with crusty bread or a side of briny olives. Easy to prepare yet impressive in presentation, it's a show-stopping addition to any Mediterranean-inspired spread.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 kg Fresh octopus
• 1.5 liters Water
• 100 ml White wine vinegar
• 2 Bay leaves
• 4 Garlic cloves
• 60 ml Extra-virgin olive oil
• 30 ml Lemon juice
• 15 g Fresh parsley
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 0 to taste Salt
• 0 to taste Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the octopus thoroughly under cold water, and clean it if not pre-cleaned by your fishmonger.

Step 2

In a large pot, bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil. Add the white wine vinegar, bay leaves, and two peeled garlic cloves to the water.

Step 3

Lower the octopus into the boiling water and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for about 45-60 minutes or until the octopus is tender enough for a fork to pierce easily.

Step 4

Once tender, remove the octopus from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Cut the tentacles into bite-sized pieces and, if desired, also chop the head into small chunks.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

Step 6

Thinly slice the remaining two garlic cloves.

Step 7

Heat a grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the octopus pieces with a bit of olive oil, then grill them for 2-3 minutes per side until charred lines appear. Remove from heat.

Step 8

Arrange the grilled octopus on a serving plate. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the top, and sprinkle the sliced garlic as garnish.

Step 9

Serve the octopus meze warm or at room temperature with crusty bread or a side of olives.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2750 grams (2750.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1413

Total Fat 70.80g	91%
Saturated Fat 10.40g	52%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 480mg	160%
Sodium 4722mg	205%
Total Carbohydrate 31.80g	12%
Dietary Fiber 2.00g	7%
Total Sugars 1.00g
Protein 150.70g	301%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 700mg	54%
Iron 55mg	307%
Potassium 3827mg	81%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.6%

Protein: 44.1%

Carbs: 9.3%