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White Bean and Grilled Octopus Salad

This dish, popular in northern Mexico, is a summer favorite at my house and tastes great with any grilled seafood, not just octopus. Freshly cooked beans are always best, but you can substitute canned beans; just be sure to rinse them thoroughly. You’ll need two 14-ounce cans here.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 6

Ingredients

1 pound baby octopus, tentacles attached
1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 lime
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 cups cooked great northern or pinto beans
2 tablespoons chopped scallions (white and pale green parts only)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon dried oregano

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare a grill to medium-high heat, or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.

    Step 2

    Mix the octopus, the 1/4 cup olive oil, and the garlic in a medium bowl. Squeeze the lime half over it, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and let stand for 30 minutes.

    Step 3

    Grill the octopus, turning it once, for 3 minutes, or until just cooked through.

    Step 4

    Mix the warm octopus, beans, scallions, lime juice, cilantro, oregano, and remaining 1/3 cup olive oil in a large bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Fresh Mexico
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