Galician Style Octopus with Paprika and Potatoes
Experience the exquisite flavors of this traditional Spanish dish, Pulpo a la Gallega. This recipe showcases tender, succulent octopus, perfectly cooked to bring out its natural sweetness. The octopus is accompanied by creamy, boiled potatoes and enhanced by a sprinkle of vibrant hot paprika and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Ideal for seafood lovers and a fantastic introduction for those trying octopus for the first time, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Serve it at your next gathering or as a comforting meal at home, and indulge in a taste of Galicia.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
octopus
2 lbs (cleaned)
onion
1 (cut in half)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
potatoes
2 large (boiled and sliced diagonally into rounds (about 1/2" thick))
hot paprika
1 teaspoon (to taste)
sea salt
to taste (for seasoning)
extra virgin olive oil
to taste (for drizzling)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Galician Style Octopus?
Galician Style Octopus, also known as Pulpo a la Gallega, is a traditional Spanish dish featuring tender octopus, boiled potatoes, hot paprika, and extra virgin olive oil.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve between 4 to 6 people.
What are the primary ingredients for Pulpo a la Gallega?
The main ingredients include 2 lbs of octopus, onion, bay leaves, large potatoes, hot paprika, sea salt, and extra virgin olive oil.
How should the octopus be prepared for this recipe?
The octopus should be thoroughly cleaned before starting the cooking process.
What type of potatoes are used in Galician Style Octopus?
The recipe calls for 2 large potatoes that are boiled and then sliced into rounds.
How thick should the potato slices be?
The potatoes should be sliced diagonally into rounds that are approximately 1/2 inch thick.
What kind of paprika should I use?
This recipe specifically uses hot paprika to provide a vibrant color and a spicy kick.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is considered a fantastic introduction for those trying octopus for the first time.
Is Galician Style Octopus a healthy dish?
Yes, the dish is categorized as healthy, featuring lean protein from the octopus and healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil.
What is the role of the onion in this recipe?
The onion is cut in half and used during the cooking process to add flavor to the octopus.
How many bay leaves are required?
The recipe requires 2 whole bay leaves for seasoning the cooking water.
What type of oil is best for this dish?
High-quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended for drizzling over the finished dish to enhance the flavor.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Absolutely, Pulpo a la Gallega is frequently served as a traditional Spanish appetizer or tapas dish.
How much octopus do I need for 4-6 people?
You will need approximately 2 lbs of cleaned octopus for this recipe.
What type of salt is recommended for seasoning?
Sea salt is recommended to be used to taste for the best flavor profile.
Where does this dish originate from?
This dish is a classic representative of Spanish cuisine, specifically from the Galicia region.
What is the texture of the octopus in this dish?
When prepared correctly, the octopus is tender and succulent, highlighting its natural sweetness.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients: octopus, onion, bay leaves, potatoes, hot paprika, sea salt, and extra virgin olive oil.
How is the paprika applied?
The hot paprika is sprinkled over the sliced octopus and potatoes to taste.
Are the potatoes boiled with the skins on?
The recipe specifies that the potatoes are boiled and then sliced; they are typically peeled before slicing into rounds.
What makes this dish visually appealing?
The contrast between the white creamy potatoes, the purple-tinged octopus, and the vibrant red hot paprika makes it very visually striking.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, while the recipe calls for hot paprika, you can adjust the amount used to suit your personal taste preferences.
What is the recipe category?
The recipe is categorized under Octopus and Seafood.
Is there a specific way to slice the potatoes?
Yes, the potatoes should be sliced diagonally into rounds to create a traditional Pulpo a la Gallega presentation.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include Spanish cuisine, seafood, Galician, easy recipe, appetizer, healthy, and boiled potatoes.
Is this a comforting meal?
Yes, the description notes it can be served as a comforting meal at home or at a gathering.
How much hot paprika is suggested?
The recipe suggests starting with 1 teaspoon of hot paprika, then adjusting to taste.
What does the bay leaf add to the dish?
The bay leaves provide an aromatic depth to the water used to boil the octopus.
Do I need to add water to the ingredients list?
While water is needed for boiling, it is considered a pantry staple and not listed among the 7 main ingredients.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to drizzle the dish with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and season with sea salt and paprika.