Source: iulm.it

PRESENTATION

A low-sodium main course based on octopus, tomatoes, black olives, garlic, oregano, lemon, sorrel, parsley, extra virgin olive oil, and pepper.

INGREDIENTS:

Serves 4

1 octopus, about 1 kg (2.2 lb)

400 g (about 14 oz) vine-ripened tomatoes

40 pitted black olives

2 garlic cloves

Oregano, to taste

1 lemon

1 sprig sorrel

1 bunch parsley

1 teaspoon oregano

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Black peppercorns

Ground white pepper

METOD

Fill a fairly tall pot with water.

Add freshly crushed black peppercorns, the lemon sliced, parsley leaves, and 1 garlic clove, then place on the heat.

Bring the water to a boil.

Meanwhile, clean the octopus thoroughly under running water.

When the water reaches a boil, lower the octopus into the pot by holding it by the head and dip it in and out a few times to curl the tentacles.

Cover the pot, wait for the water to return to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cook for 40 minutes with the lid on.

After this time, turn off the heat and leave the octopus in its cooking water for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the diced tomato mixture.

Peel the tomatoes, dice them, and place them in a bowl with the olives, the whole garlic clove, the chopped sorrel, the oregano, and two tablespoons of olive oil.

Let the mixture marinate.

Heat the grill.

Cut the octopus into medium-sized pieces.

Grill until lightly browned.

Arrange the octopus on a serving platter.

Drain the diced tomatoes of their excess liquid, spoon them over the octopus, and finish with a sprinkle of pepper.

ALLERGENS:

Sorrel: possible individual allergy.

Garlic: very rare cases of garlic reactivity have been reported.

Lemon: lemon intolerance or possible cross-reaction in individuals allergic to grass pollens.

Extra virgin olive oil: allergy is uncommon; no intolerance described.

Olives: olive allergy is extremely rare; only one case reported in Spain.

Oregano: reactivity in individuals sensitive to plants of the Lamiaceae family (thyme, sage, mint, rosemary, catnip).

Pepper: possible cross-reactivity in cases of spice intolerance.

Octopus: fishery product listed among allergens under EU Regulation 1169/2011.

Tomatoes: possible cross-reaction in individuals sensitive to grasses.

Parsley: possible cross-reaction in individuals allergic to spices, mugwort, or other Asteraceae.

NOTE

Prepare and handle under strict hygienic conditions.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

Sorrel: has diuretic properties and supports liver function.

Garlic: immune-stimulating properties; supports liver function and the elimination of waste metabolites. Also has cholesterol-lowering, lipid-lowering, antiplatelet, hypotensive, and blood glucose–lowering effects that support heart health.

Lemon: rich in antioxidant compounds such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which support liver cell regeneration, immune system function, and cardiovascular protection; also suitable for individuals with kidney disease.

Extra virgin olive oil: a source of vitamin E that protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids.

Olives: a source of vitamin E that protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids; beneficial for liver function due to their omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Oregano: provides antioxidants and vitamin E that support proper immune system function.

Pepper: contains piperine, a powerful antioxidant; improves insulin sensitivity, reduces cholesterol levels, and activates metabolism. Recommended for individuals with cardiovascular problems.

Octopus: rich in iron and vitamin B12, which support the cardiovascular system and proper red blood cell synthesis; also provides selenium and omega-3 fatty acids that promote immune system and liver function.

Tomatoes: rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals and supports the immune system; also provide minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that protect the cardiovascular system; suitable for individuals with kidney disease and beneficial for liver function.

Parsley: rich in carotenoids that support the immune system, as well as minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that protect cardiovascular health; also suitable for individuals with kidney disease and beneficial for liver function.

SAFETY / INTENDED USE

Also suitable for individuals affected by:

• Nausea and vomiting

Use with caution, depending on acidity, in cases of mucositis (inflammation and lesions of the oral cavity).