Warm Octopus And Sweet Onion Salad With Fresh Sage And Lemon Vinaigrette Food

OCTOPUS LUAU

Steps:

• In a large pot (which can accommodate luau leaves and octopus) heat 2 tablespoons of the grapeseed oil over medium-high heat and add butter. When it begins to shimmer, add the onion and saute until translucent. Add the luau leaves and pour in chicken stock. The luau leaves will be simmered over low heat for a very long time until tender, about 6 hours. Replenish with water, as needed, during the course of cooking.
• About 30 minutes before mealtime, brush the remaining 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil on the octopus and add to the pot of luau leaves with enough water to cover. Combine the coconut milk and sugar in a bowl. Create a slurry in a separate small bowl by whisking 2 tablespoons water gradually into the cornstarch. Whisk the slurry into the coconut milk mixture, and add to the pot of luau leaves and octopus, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer until the octopus is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
• Remove octopus to a utility plate to drain and set aside until cool enough to handle. Remove the octopus head and legs, split in half, then slice and dice small. Return to pot of luau leaves and adjust seasoning, to taste, with salt and pepper as needed.

WARM OCTOPUS AND SWEET ONION SALAD WITH FRESH BASIL AND LEMON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• For the vinaigrette: Place lemon juice, shallot, garlic and honey in a medium saucepan and reduce to 1/2 cup. Place reduced syrup into a blender, add olive oil and blend until smooth. Pour into a bowl and fold in the basil.
• For the salad: Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft and caramelized. Add the vinegar and cook until reduced. Season with salt and pepper.
• Place the octopus, water, vinegar, garlic, wine corks, bay leaf and peppercorns. In a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until tender, about 3 hours. Remove the octopus from the water and place on a platter lined with paper towels. Heat the grill or grill pan. Cut the octopus into pieces, brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and grill for 1 to 2 minutes on each side.
• Assembly: 2 cups mixed greens Lemon vinaigrette Chopped fresh basil and parsley
• Toss greens in a large bowl with 3 tablespoons lemon vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper. Place the greens on a large platter and top with the grilled octopus. Drizzle with more of the vinaigrette, top with the onion slices and sprinkle with the fresh herbs.

POTATO SALAD WITH LEMON-DILL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Peel potatoes and slice 1/4" thick. Cook just until fork tender; drain and transfer to a bowl.
• Add the celery and onion to the potatoes.
• Prepare the dressing: Combine remaining ingredients and stir well or shake in a small jar.
• Pour over the still-warm potatoes and stir gently to combine, making sure all potatoes are coated.
• If desired, add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

SWEET ONION VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In food processor puree everything but the onion. Pour into a bowl and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour so that flavors blend.
• In mean time grill onion slices.
• Add onion slices to vinaigrette and serve at room temperature over grilled veggies.