Mediterranean Pickled Octopus (Oktapodi Toursi)
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this succulent Mediterranean Pickled Octopus, or Oktapodi Toursi. This traditional dish features tender baby octopus marinated in a delightful mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Perfect as an appetizer or a delightful addition to any seafood platter, this recipe invites you to share a taste of the sea with your loved ones. Allow the octopus to marinate for several days for enhanced flavors, and serve it with fresh lemon wedges and crunchy bread for an unforgettable culinary experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby octopus
2 1/4 lbs (Cleaned and rinsed)
Olive oil
1/2 cup (Extra virgin for best flavor)
Red wine vinegar
1/2 cup (Preferred for balance of acidity)
Garlic cloves
4 (Minced)
Salt
To taste
Black pepper
To taste
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon
Lemon wedges
For serving
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oktapodi Toursi?
Oktapodi Toursi is a traditional Mediterranean dish featuring pickled octopus marinated in oil, vinegar, and herbs.
How much octopus is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/4 lbs of baby octopus.
What is the best way to prepare the octopus?
The baby octopus should be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed before use.
What kind of oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best and most authentic Mediterranean flavor.
Which type of vinegar is preferred?
Red wine vinegar is preferred for its specific balance of acidity in this recipe.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 4 garlic cloves, which should be minced.
How long should the octopus marinate?
It is recommended to allow the octopus to marinate for several days to enhance the flavors.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried thyme along with salt and black pepper.
How should Mediterranean Pickled Octopus be served?
Serve it with fresh lemon wedges and crunchy bread for a complete experience.
Is this dish considered an appetizer?
Yes, it is perfect as an appetizer or as an addition to a seafood platter.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a succulent, tangy, and aromatic flavor profile with rich Mediterranean notes.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is categorized as an easy recipe.
How much olive oil is used in the marinade?
The marinade uses 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How much red wine vinegar is used?
The marinade requires 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar.
Can I use this for a party?
Yes, it is excellent party food and great for sharing with loved ones.
What are the total number of ingredients?
There are 8 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is the octopus served hot or cold?
Pickled octopus (toursi) is typically served cold or at room temperature after marinating.
What should I serve on the side?
Crunchy bread is the ideal side to soak up the flavorful marinade.
Is salt and pepper measured?
Salt and black pepper are added to taste according to your preference.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include octopus, pickled, mediterranean, seafood, appetizer, and traditional.
Is this a healthy recipe?
It uses fresh seafood and heart-healthy olive oil, typical of Mediterranean cuisine.
What is the purpose of the lemon wedges?
They are used for serving to add a fresh citrus brightness to the dish.
Can I use larger octopus?
The recipe specifically calls for baby octopus, which is more tender for pickling.
Is dried thyme the only herb?
Yes, dried thyme is the specific aromatic herb listed in this recipe.
Is this dish dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe contains no dairy products.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The octopus and marinade are gluten-free, though it is often served with bread.
What is 'Toursi'?
'Toursi' refers to the process of pickling ingredients, common in Greek and Mediterranean cooking.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be minced to distribute flavor throughout the marinade.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, making it in advance is actually better as it needs days to marinate.
What makes the octopus tender?
The acidity from the red wine vinegar helps to tenderize the octopus during the pickling process.