This pretty warm salad, with Red Octopus tentacles contrasted against green zucchini and white fennel, is also delicious served at room temperature.
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INGREDIENTS:
500g Baby Octopus, cleaned
1 bulb baby fennel, shaved (see notes)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
4 zucchini, cut lengthways into six slices
Oregano & Fennel Marinade
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely sliced
2 tablespoons chopped oregano leaves
1 lemon, zest grated, juiced
2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed
METHOD:
Make the Oregano & Fennel Marinade: combine the olive oil, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, fennel seeds and pepper in a bowl.
Pour boiling water over octopus, leave to stand for 1-2 minutes, then drain. Add to the marinade and mix to coat well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is fine).
Heat a barbecue or char-grill plate.
Toss the fennel with lemon juice, salt, pepper and half the olive oil and set aside until needed.
Brush the zucchini with remaining olive oil, place on grill-plate and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove and keep warm.
Remove the Octopus from the marinade, drain well and cook on the grill plate for 2-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is brightly coloured.
Gently toss fennel, zucchini and octopus together and serve.
NOTES:
A Japanese mandolin is ideal for shaving the fennel finely.
ALTERNATIVE SPECIES:
Calamari, Cuttlefish, Squid or large green Prawns (omit the boiling water).