Grilled Octopus with Lemon Herb Dressing

This Grilled Octopus with Lemon Herb Dressing is a delightful fusion of traditional Mediterranean flavors with a creative twist. The octopus is tender and smoky, complemented by a zesty dressing made with fresh herbs and citrus. Perfect for seafood lovers, this dish is both visually stunning and packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice for a summer dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb octopus, cleaned
• 4 cups water
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine water, onion, bay leaves, and salt. Bring to a boil.
2. Add the octopus to the boiling water and simmer for about 45 minutes or until tender.
3. Remove the octopus from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, cut into manageable pieces.
4. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the octopus pieces for about 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly charred.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
6. Serve the grilled octopus drizzled with lemon herb dressing and garnish with lemon wedges.