Octopus and Squid Salad

Octopus and Squid Salad Recipe from Malta

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Octopus and squid salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. The combination of tender seafood with fresh herbs and zesty lemon creates a flavorful and satisfying salad that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Octopus and squid salad has its origins in Mediterranean cuisine, where seafood is a staple ingredient. The dish is often served as an appetizer or a main course, and is popular in coastal regions where fresh seafood is abundant.

Ingredients

1 kg of very small octopus and squid
4 tbsp of olive oil
2 tbsp of finely chopped parsley, mint, and basil
1 tbsp of chopped garlic
juice of 1 small lemon
salt and pepper
2 small chile peppers (optional)

How to prepare

Clean the fish thoroughly and rinse it under running water, or purchase pre-cleaned and baked fish.
Place the fish in a pan and cover it with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the fish becomes tender.
Allow the water to cool before draining the fish into a salad bowl.
Season the fish with all the other ingredients and refrigerate for a few hours, stirring occasionally. This will allow the fish to absorb all the flavors.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding additional ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, olives, or capers. You can also adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When cooking octopus and squid, it is important to not overcook the seafood as it can become tough and rubbery. To ensure that the seafood is tender, simmer it gently in water until it is just cooked through. Additionally, marinating the seafood in the dressing for a few hours will allow the flavors to develop and infuse into the seafood.

Serving Suggestions

Octopus and squid salad can be served as a light appetizer or a main course. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious octopus and squid salad is to cook the seafood gently until it is just tender. Be sure to marinate the seafood in the dressing for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are unable to find fresh squid, you can use frozen squid instead. You can also substitute octopus for calamari or another type of seafood.

Make Ahead Tips

Octopus and squid salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to develop and intensify.

Presentation Ideas

Serve octopus and squid salad on a bed of mixed greens or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. You can also drizzle additional olive oil over the top for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Octopus and squid salad pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. It also pairs well with a light and refreshing white wine or a crisp beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover octopus and squid salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply allow the salad to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of octopus and squid salad contains approximately 250 calories, making it a light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

Octopus and squid salad is a low-carb dish, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. The carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the fresh herbs and lemon juice used in the dressing.

Fats

The main source of fat in octopus and squid salad comes from the olive oil used in the dressing. Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

Proteins

Octopus and squid are both excellent sources of protein, making this salad a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, as well as overall health and wellbeing.

Vitamins and minerals

Octopus and squid are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. These nutrients are important for energy production, immune function, and overall health.

Alergens

Octopus and squid are seafood, so this dish may not be suitable for those with seafood allergies. Additionally, the dressing may contain allergens such as garlic and chile peppers.

Summary

Octopus and squid salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in carbohydrates and calories, high in protein, and rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a light and healthy meal.

Summary

Octopus and squid salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With its tender seafood, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon dressing, this salad is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her small coastal village. As we sat on her porch overlooking the sparkling blue sea, she suddenly disappeared into her kitchen and emerged with a plate of the most delicious octopus and squid salad I had ever tasted.

I was in awe of the vibrant colors and flavors in front of me, and I begged Maria to share her recipe with me. She laughed and said it was a closely guarded family secret, but she agreed to teach me how to make it that very afternoon.

We spent hours in her cozy kitchen, chopping, marinating, and cooking the seafood until it was tender and flavorful. Maria shared stories of how her grandmother had passed down the recipe to her, and how she had added her own twist over the years.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, Maria looked at me with a twinkle in her eye and said, "Now you have a secret recipe to pass down to your own grandchildren one day."

From that moment on, octopus and squid salad became a staple in my kitchen. I experimented with different ingredients and techniques, adding my own touch to the recipe while still honoring the tradition that Maria had shared with me.

Over the years, I have made the salad for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and picnics. Each time, it has been met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

One of my favorite memories involving this dish was when my granddaughter, Lily, asked me to teach her how to make it. She had always been fascinated by my cooking and had spent countless hours watching me in the kitchen.

I was thrilled to pass down the recipe to her, just as Maria had done for me all those years ago. We spent a rainy afternoon together, chopping vegetables, cleaning the seafood, and mixing the marinade.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, Lily looked at me with a proud smile and said, "I can't wait to make this for my friends. It's like having a piece of our family history on the dinner table."

I knew then that I had truly passed down something special to my granddaughter. The recipe for octopus and squid salad was not just a dish, but a connection to the past and a way to create memories for generations to come.

As I sit in my kitchen now, surrounded by the familiar smells and sounds of cooking, I am grateful for all the recipes and traditions that have been passed down to me over the years. From Maria's octopus and squid salad to my mother's famous lasagna, each dish tells a story and brings people together in a way that is truly magical.

I may not have a big fancy cookbook or a culinary degree, but I have something even more valuable - a lifetime of memories, recipes, and traditions that have shaped me into the cook and person I am today.

And for that, I am eternally grateful.