Salad Ourite / Mauritian Octopus Salad

Salade Ourite / Mauritian Octopus Salad

For 4-6 people (Appetizer portions)

You will need:

• 3 baby octopuses (approx. 2 lbs each)
• Juice from 1/2 lemon and the zest
• 2 Tsp olive oil
• 1 medium tomato, cut into thin wedges
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 Green chilies, finely chopped
• Salt and Pepper
• Fresh Coriander for garnish

Steps:

• Rinse octopus in cold water, drain completely and place in a large pot.
• Add 1 Tsp of salt and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil.
• Lower heat and simmer for about 25-30 mins until the octopus become pinkish in color and slightly tender.
• Remove from the heat and set aside. Cut the flesh, along with the head, into bite-size chunks.
• Place them in a large salad bowl. Toss in the sliced onion, olive oil, tomato wedges, and chopped green chilies.
• Season the salad with salt and pepper and finally add in the finely chopped lemon zest and the lemon juice.
• Mix well and leave to rest for at least half an hour before serving.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve.

Bon appetit!!

In Mauritius, Octopus is a seasonal find so sometimes you get a lot of them on the market and at other times less. This recipe is mostly generic. You can adjust the ingredients listed to your quantity of octopus. The most important thing is to boil it and season it properly so that it can be stripped of any unpleasant odor. The rest is to make the salad, have a drink and enjoy!!