Octopus Panzanella

Serves: 6

Camila Dooley

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

55

Spice

59

Sweetness

48

Sourness

40

mins

Prep time (avg)

4.5

Difficulty

Ingredients:

1 tsp

Whole Cloves

Directions:

1

Combine the cloves, carrots, garlic, shallot, wine and 2 cups water in a medium Dutch oven or sauce pan

2

Place over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer

3

Meanwhile, rinse the octopus

4

Remove the head just above the eyes and then make a cut just below the eyes to remove them completely

5

Dip the ends of the octopus tentacles in the simmering wine mixture for a few seconds

6

Remove and then dip them again

7

Repeat once more for a total of 3 times; this will curl the tips for a very pretty result

8

Submerge the octopus tentacles and the head in the wine mixture, adding more water if needed to cover the octopus

9

Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, covered, until the tip of a paring knife goes into the thickest part without much resistance, about 1 hour 45 minutes

10

Allow the octopus to cool for 30 minutes in the liquid before transferring to a plate to cool completely

11

When cool enough to handle, use a piece of paper towel to wipe the skin away

12

Cut the base into individual legs

13

Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat

14

Drizzle the octopus legs and head with 1 tablespoon of the oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt

15

Place on the hot grill and cook until charred in a few spots, about 4 minutes per side

16

Set aside to cool

17

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F

18

Place the bread cubes, Parmesan, 4 tablespoons oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl

19

Mix well to coat

20

Scatter the cubes on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown and crispy, about 12 minutes

21

Add the toasted cubes back to the bowl along with the arugula, tomatoes and olives

22

Tear in the basil

23

Drizzle the lemon juice and the remaining 1/3 cup oil around the edge of the bowl and toss well to marry all the ingredients

24

Chop the octopus into bite-size pieces and add them to the salad along with 1/8 teaspoon salt

25

Toss one more time and serve