I guess this is classed as a recipe? It’s so simple I almost feel embarrassed to write it down. I feel like that about a lot of salads, I mean, you can probably work it out from the picture – exact measurements aren’t required. However, if it gets one person to try octopus, it’ll be worth it.
I first tried this in a dreamy bar in Paxos in Greece. It’s one of those dishes that incapsulates the holiday, perfect for a picnic in the garden on a gloriously sunny day.
Granted, octopus isn’t the easiest ingredient to get hold of, and I live by the sea! But, the wonderful people at Waitrose have removed this dilemma. There are just a few bits to grab, barely any chopping and easy to throw together at the last minute.
Let’s not be precious, there are some easy swaps you could do as well. Aside from the octopus (obvs), the other thing I would stick to is large ripe tomatoes (if you’re in the UK). Smaller ones wouldn’t work as well and I find the larger ones tend to have a better flavour, not as good as Greek ones, but you can’t have everything.
Let’s get started…
Serves – 2
Ingredients
- Pack of Octopus ceviche from Waitrose (other shops may sell an alternative)
- 1-2 Beef tomatoes
- A couple of handfuls of rocket and/or spinach
- Pine nuts
- Sesame seeds
Method
- Take the octopus out of the fridge while you prep the other ingredients just so it’s not too cold
- Slice the tomatoes by placing the tomatoes on their side so the stem is pacing left or right. This keeps the seeds attached and looks pretty in the final dish
- Layer your washed rocket or spinach on the bottom of a large bowl or plate
- Place the tomato on top
- Followed by the octopus – you won’t need the whole tub, so save some for another day
- In a dry frying pan toast the pine nuts and sprinkle over the salad
- In the same pan toast some sesame seeds until they have lightly coloured and sprinkle over the salad
- Drizzle over a small amount of the finest olive oil you have
- Tuck in!
I had this on it’s own, but it would be equally delicious paired with some crusty bread, pita or flat bread. Mmmm carbs.
