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Octopus on pea and potato cream

17/11/2023

I can offer you the recipe to prepare a delicious octopus on pea and potato cream, with a truly Italian touch. Here’s what you’ll need for two people:

Ingredients

  • 1 octopus of about 500-600 g
  • 300 g of fresh or frozen peas
  • 2-3 medium potatoes (about 300 g)
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1 small onion
  • Vegetable broth as needed
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper as needed
  • Freshly chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Grated lemon zest for garnish (optional)

Preparation

  1. Clean the octopus by removing the innards and the skin if you prefer (some choose to leave it on for a more intense flavor). To tenderize it, freeze the octopus and then thaw it, or immerse it in boiling water and shake it three consecutive times before cooking.
  2. Place the octopus in a pot and cover it with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook over medium-low heat for about 45-60 minutes or until it becomes tender. Check the doneness by inserting a fork into the tentacles; when it enters without resistance, the octopus is ready. Once cooked, drain it and cut it into pieces.
  3. To prepare the pea and potato cream, peel and chop the potatoes into small pieces and finely chop the onion and garlic.
  4. In a saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in extra virgin olive oil until they become translucent.
  5. Add the potatoes, peas, and cover with vegetable broth until the level slightly surpasses the ingredients. Cook until the potatoes and peas are tender.
  6. Blend everything with an immersion blender until you get a smooth and homogeneous cream. Season with salt and pepper and add a drizzle of raw oil if you want a richer flavor.
  7. To serve, pour the pea and potato cream into deep plates, lay the octopus pieces on top, and garnish with chopped parsley and grated lemon zest to add aroma and freshness.

Curiosity

Octopus is often perceived as a challenging ingredient to cook due to its texture, which can become rubbery if not handled properly. The secret to a tender octopus is proper preparation that starts with slow cooking and an initial “fright” in boiling water. Paired with pea cream, it’s a true delight, combining the sweetness of the legumes with the sea flavor of the octopus.