Octopus Croquettes on Saffron Potato Cream
Category: Appetizers
Yields: 16 servings
This delightful dish blends the delicate flavor of octopus with the creamy richness of saffron-infused mashed potatoes, making it a perfect starter for a special dinner. These octopus croquettes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with a velvety saffron potato cream that enhances their savory taste. The preparation requires a bit of patience, but the results are well worth the effort.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Octopus | 1 kg |
| Bread (for croquettes) | 80g |
| Breadcrumbs | 50g |
| Pecorino Cheese (grated) | 20g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Lemon Zest | 1 lemon |
| Sweet Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Oregano (fresh, optional) | to taste |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
| Sunflower Oil (for frying) | to taste |
| Potatoes | 200g |
| Water | 80g |
| Saffron | to taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | to taste |
| Salt (for saffron cream) | to taste |
| Black Pepper (for saffron cream) | to taste |
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Octopus:
Start by cleaning the octopus. If you’re unfamiliar with cleaning octopus, refer to a cooking guide or instructional video. Once cleaned, immerse the octopus in a large pot of salted boiling water and cook for approximately 40 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing the meat with a fork. The octopus should be tender when it’s ready to be removed from the water.
Once cooked, allow the octopus to cool in the same pot of water. This helps retain its moisture and flavor.
2. Make the Saffron Potato Cream:
While the octopus is cooking and cooling, peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes. In a small saucepan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add the cubed potatoes, season with salt and black pepper, and sautΓ© briefly. Add the water, stir well, and cover the pot. Let the potatoes cook for about 7 minutes over medium heat until tender and the water has mostly evaporated.
Once cooked, transfer the potatoes to a high-sided glass or mixing jug. Add saffron powder to the potatoes, and use an immersion blender or a potato masher to puree the mixture until smooth. Your saffron potato cream is now ready to be set aside for later use.
3. Prepare the Octopus Croquettes:
Once the octopus has cooled, transfer it to a cutting board and chop it finely with a sharp knife. Avoid using a food processor, as the blades can release too much water from the octopus, which could affect the texture of the croquettes.
Place the chopped octopus in a large bowl. Add the lemon zest, grated Pecorino cheese, sweet paprika, cubed bread, salt, pepper, and fresh oregano leaves (if using). Combine these ingredients thoroughly. Add the breadcrumbs and mix again to incorporate all the elements.
Finally, crack in the egg and knead the mixture slightly to bring it all together into a cohesive dough-like texture.
4. Fry the Croquettes:
Heat sunflower oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 165Β°C (use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature). Carefully form small croquettes by shaping the octopus mixture into balls or small logs with your hands.
Fry the croquettes in batches, adding one or two at a time to the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy on the outside, which should take just a few minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the croquettes and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Serve:
To serve, spoon a generous amount of the saffron potato cream onto each plate. Arrange the crispy octopus croquettes on top of the cream, garnishing with fresh oregano leaves or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for extra flavor.
Notes:
- The saffron potato cream can be prepared ahead of time and reheated just before serving.
- For a lighter version, you can bake the croquettes in the oven at 180Β°C for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Pair this dish with a crisp white wine or a light rosΓ© to complement the seafood flavors.
These octopus croquettes on saffron potato cream are sure to impress your guests with their vibrant colors and bold flavors. Serve them at your next dinner party or special occasion for a truly memorable appetizer. Enjoy!
