Octopus

Chef Alexey Yashaev shared the recipe with us.

We decided to combine the sea and land of Mexico, to put together two typical ingredients. We make a gratin from potatoes - we thinly slice the potatoes, put them in layers and bake in the oven. With octopus it's a little more complicated: it must be boiled for an hour to an hour and a half with herbs. The combination of potatoes and octopus is familiar to Mexicans, here we just made this dish a little more beautiful, adding onion cream and tomato salsa to it. Recipe by Dmitry Kishov, chef of the tacobar restaurant.

The recipe is taken from the book "Geography to Taste. Latvia" by Nika Ganich.

Recipe from Igor Mardasov, chef of the Harvey & Monica restaurant.

Octopus with pepper sauce and potatoes is an exquisite dish of author cuisine inspired by Mediterranean motifs. The tender meat of the octopus, cooked in aromatic vegetable broth, gains softness and rich flavor. The main focus is the sauce made from roasted sweet peppers, hazelnuts, and cream, which adds depth and a subtle nutty note to the dish. Potatoes sautéed with sage and rosemary complement the composition with their crispy warmth, while pickled peppers bring brightness and balance. This dish is a harmony of flavors and textures that combines the tenderness of seafood, the creaminess of the nut sauce, and the spiciness of spices. It is perfect for a romantic dinner or a festive table where details and culinary mastery matter.

Octopus in tomato sauce is a gourmet dish of Mediterranean cuisine, embodying the traditions and flavors of the seaside. The tender tentacles of the octopus, subjected to prolonged cooking, become soft and infused with the aromas of spicy tomato sauce. The rich flavor palette unfolds thanks to the combination of sweet tomatoes, pungent garlic, and a hint of lemon juice's acidity. Chili pepper adds a lively spiciness to the dish, while cream makes the sauce's texture more velvety. Potatoes baked in the tomato mixture absorb flavor nuances and become a magnificent side dish. This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine and fresh herbs, transforming into a true gastronomic delight worthy of a festive dinner or cozy family evening.

Octopus is a contradictory product. On the one hand, you need to handle it with attention to detail and expertise, it looks unfriendly, and it is expensive. On the other hand, the story "the simpler the better" is also about the octopus . And here is the question: buy, cut and cook, following clear and complex instructions, and then combine the mollusk with ordinary boiled potatoes? Yes. Try it and see for yourself, there is no simpler, more reliable and tastier combination than boiled octopus and potatoes . And well-cooked octopus is tender meaty flesh, solid protein and no fat, which is not a reason to try it.

Seafood assortment is a refined dish of Belgian cuisine that embodies the richness of marine treasures and harmony of flavors. This combination of tender scallops, juicy shrimp, squid, and hamachi gains a rich taste after being sautéed in butter with unagi sauce and lemon juice. The finest parmesan chip adds a crispy texture while currants and snap peas bring freshness and a slight tanginess. Belgian cuisine is renowned for its love of quality ingredients, and this dish is a perfect embodiment of its culinary traditions. It is ideal for a festive dinner or romantic evening, impressing guests with its sophisticated taste and elegant presentation. Each ingredient plays its role here, creating a gastronomic symphony worthy of the world's best restaurants.

This exquisite recipe combines sea and earth flavors into a harmonious dish. Tender octopus soaked in rich teriyaki and soy sauce pairs with roasted sweet peppers that have a smoky aroma. Ricotta cream adds softness and a creamy texture, while paprika-fried potatoes add spicy notes. Charred cherry tomatoes and fragrant green oil made from dill and parsley complete the composition. The dish is perfect for an elegant dinner, blending gastronomic elegance with the comfort of home cooking.

Cod with Venere rice risotto is a refined dish of Italian cuisine where the sea freshness of the fish combines with the rich flavor of unique black rice. Venere rice, known for its nutty undertones and light floral notes, makes the risotto deeply aromatic and tender. Baked cod coated in paprika butter develops a golden crust while remaining juicy inside. Octopus sautéed in butter and complemented by a tangy teriyaki sauce adds interesting texture and complexity to the dish. Grated Parmesan finishes the composition, gently uniting all ingredients. This dish not only delights gourmets with its exquisite taste but also makes a wonderful choice for a festive dinner or romantic evening.

Octopus in black pepper sauce with mashed potatoes is an exquisite dish that combines the tenderness of seafood with the rich flavor of pepper sauce. The mashed potatoes, enhanced with cream and onion confit, create a velvety base that harmoniously highlights the spiciness of the octopus. The dish has roots in American cuisine, where the balance of textures and flavors is appreciated. It is served with juicy cherry tomatoes that refresh the palate and crispy rice chips that add contrast. This gastronomic masterpiece is suitable for both festive dinners and special occasions, impressing with its rich aromas and refined presentation.

Seafood unagi with parmesan chips is an exquisite dish of Chinese cuisine that combines the richness of ocean treasures and the delicacy of Japanese unagi sauce. The recipe is based on scallops, octopus, hamachi, shrimp, and squid carefully sautéed in butter. Their flavor is complemented by fresh green peas adding lightness, while lemon juice adds a pleasant tang. Red currants introduce an unexpected fruity accent creating a balance of flavors. The finishing touch is a crispy parmesan chip that adds exquisite texture and richness. This dish is perfect for both festive dinners and gourmets who appreciate the combination of sea notes and soft creamy tones.

Octopus carpaccio with avocado and tomato poke is a refined dish inspired by Hawaiian cuisine, where the freshness of seafood and tropical fruits blend in harmony of flavors. The octopus, gently boiled and sliced thinly, has a pleasant firmness and rich marine aroma. The avocado and tomato poke adds juiciness and a light sweetness that complements the main texture of the dish. Dressed with a refreshing citronette sauce, the carpaccio gains a tangy acidity that highlights the delicacy of the seafood. The slight bitterness of arugula and the spiciness of shallots along with parmesan create an exquisite backdrop. This dish is not only delicious but also brings the spirit of island gastronomic delight.

Tomato soup with white wine and seafood is an exquisite dish of French cuisine that embodies the sophistication of taste and the aroma of sea breeze. The white wine adds an elegant acidity to the soup, harmoniously contrasting the sweetness of tomatoes and the rich marine notes of octopus, shrimp, and squid. The velvety texture is achieved through butter and flour, while the freshness of herbs—parsley and basil—fills the soup with lightness. Legends say that such soups first appeared in coastal regions of France where fishermen created simple yet delightful dishes from fresh seafood upon returning with their catch. This soup is perfect for a festive dinner or a cozy evening when one wants to immerse in the atmosphere of Provençal comfort.

This exquisite dessert salad is inspired by Italian culinary traditions, where seafood combines with delicate textures and fresh fruits. A seafood cocktail of shrimp, mussels, squid, and octopus enriches the dish with depth of flavor, while creamy mozzarella and soft avocado add tenderness. Physalis brings a bright tartness, creating a harmonious contrast with the saltiness of olives. This dish not only delights with its gastronomic balance but also decorates the table with elegance. Perfect for special dinners or summer gatherings, it offers the freshness of the Mediterranean in every bite.