Spanish Delight: Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-Style Octopus)

Pulpo a la Gallega, also known as Pulpo a Feira, is a traditional Spanish dish from the Galicia region. This simple yet flavorful dish features tender octopus seasoned with olive oil, paprika, and sea salt, often served with sliced potatoes. It’s a beloved tapa that’s perfect for sharing.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs (900-1350g) octopus, cleaned and rinsed
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 1 onion, halved
• 3 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons sweet paprika (pimentón dulce)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (pimentón de la Vera)
• Coarse sea salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Preparing the Octopus:

1. Tenderize the Octopus:
   • If the octopus hasn’t been tenderized, you can freeze it for 24 hours and then thaw it, or pound it with a meat mallet to tenderize the flesh.
2. Boil the Octopus:
   • In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the onion halves and bay leaves. Dip the octopus in and out of the boiling water three times to curl the tentacles, then fully submerge it. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the octopus is tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Cook the Potatoes:
   • While the octopus is simmering, bring another pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Slice the Octopus:
   • Once the octopus is tender, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Slice the tentacles into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
2. Plate the Potatoes and Octopus:
   • Arrange the cooked potato slices on a serving platter. Top with the sliced octopus.
3. Season:
   • Drizzle the olive oil over the octopus and potatoes. Sprinkle generously with sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and coarse sea salt. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Serving:

1. Serve Warm:
   • Serve the Pulpo a la Gallega warm, with crusty bread on the side. This dish is perfect as a tapa or a main course.

Pulpo a la Gallega is a simple yet exquisite dish that highlights the flavors of Galicia. The tender octopus combined with the richness of olive oil and the smokiness of paprika creates a delicious and memorable meal. Serve it as part of a tapas spread or as a main dish to impress your guests with a taste of Spain. ¡Buen provecho!