Classic Crispy Puff Pastry with Octopus Salad
Category: Appetizers
Serves: 12
This delightful dish combines the delicate flavor of octopus with the crunch of golden puff pastry, creating an irresistible appetizer that will impress your guests. You can either use pre-made octopus salad or prepare it fresh for an added touch of homemade goodness. Perfect for any occasion, these crispy pastries paired with a zesty octopus salad will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Crispy puff pastry sheets | 12 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Lemon juice | ½ |
| Carrot | 1 |
| Celery | 1 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Octopus | 400g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Carrot (for octopus salad) | ½ |
| Cloves | 1 |
| Celery (for octopus salad) | ½ |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh parsley | 1 bunch |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for salad) | To taste |
| Lemon juice (for salad) | 2 |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Octopus Salad
If you’re making your own octopus salad, begin by cleaning the octopus. Remove the beak and ink sac, then rinse thoroughly. In a pot, add the octopus, carrot, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and cloves. Cover with water and cook over medium heat for about 45 minutes, or until the octopus is tender. Once done, drain the octopus and let it cool. -
Chop the Vegetables
While the octopus is cooling, peel and finely chop the carrot, celery, and parsley. Combine them in a bowl. Once the octopus has cooled, chop it into small bite-sized pieces and add it to the vegetable mixture. -
Dress the Salad
In a separate bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pour this dressing over the chopped octopus and vegetables, then toss to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed, adding more olive oil or lemon juice to taste. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the puff pastry. -
Bake the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lay the puff pastry sheets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until golden and crisp. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. -
Assemble the Dish
Once the puff pastry is ready, break it into smaller pieces or serve it whole, depending on your preference. Spoon a generous amount of the octopus salad onto each piece of puff pastry. -
Serve
Arrange the crispy puff pastry topped with octopus salad on a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an added burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Tips
- If you prefer a quicker version, you can use pre-made octopus salad from the store, saving time on the preparation.
- Experiment with adding other fresh herbs like basil or dill for an additional layer of flavor.
- Serve these as individual appetizers or as part of a larger antipasto platter.
Enjoy this exquisite appetizer that combines the richness of octopus with the crisp, flaky texture of puff pastry. A dish that is sure to delight your guests with its fresh, vibrant flavors!
