Grilled Octopus Salad with Chickpeas, Wild Arugula and Preserved Lemon
6 C. water
2 C. white vinegar
1 small onion, quartered
1 bay leaf
2 T. black peppercorns
1/2 lemon, cut up
3 parsley stems
2 T. salt
1 small to medium-sized octopus, cooked in court-bouillon
1 C. cooked chickpeas
4 C. wild arugula, cleaned
1 C. pearl onions, peeled
1 T. butter
1/2 C. chicken stock
1 T. agave syrup
1 piquillo pepper, roasted, peeled and sliced
1/2 preserved lemon, skin only, sliced
4 T. parsley oil (blend 1/2 C. olive oil with 1/4 C. parsley leaves)
1/2 C. lemon vinaigrette (1/2 clove garlic, salt, 2 tbs lemon juice, 6 tbs olive oil)
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine first 8 ingredients for court bouillon in a pot and bring to a boil. Add octopus, reduce to simmer and cook for 15 minutes (depends on size). Remove octopus, pat dry and let it cool. Toss in olive oil and lemon juice. Meanwhile, melt some butter in a small pan and add the pearl onions. Season with salt and pepper and sauté until they start to color. Add chicken stock and cover, cook until tender and liquid has evaporated. Remove cover and add the agave syrup and glaze the onions until golden brown. Set aside. Place the chickpeas, arugula, piquillo peppers in a bowl and dress with the lemon vinaigrette. Arrange on a platter. Garnish with the sweet onions and drizzle some parsley oil. Grind some fresh black pepper over the salad. Grill the octopus chunks (preferably over charcoals, otherwise improvise). Don’t overdo-it or they will turn tough. Arrange the octopus chunks over the salad with thin slices of preserved lemon. Enjoy!
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