Squid & octopus
Octopus is a signature dish in Spanish cuisine, and particularly Galician cuisine. As with other shellfish, the nutrient-rich Galician estuaries provide an ideal habitat for octopus to thrive. The flesh is tender and rich in flavour.
Pulpo a la gallèga (Galician-style octopus) is a famous, if not the most famous traditional dish in Galicia. It consists of rounds of octopus served over slices of boiled potatoes, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with smoked paprika and sea salt. In galego, the Galician language, it is also called polbo á feira (fair-style octopus), because it is often served at fairs and celebrations. Ramón Peña’s pulpo a la gallega is inspired by this dish. It comes packed in olive oil, with softened onion and is seasoned with paprika.
Squid is another ubiquitous tapa in Spain. Tinned squid can be diced. Or canned baby squids - called chipirones or puntillitas in Spanish - can be stuffed with rice or with their tentacles and packed in olive oil or salsa. The squid in the tins from Ramón Peña and Real Conservera Española is sourced from Patagonia, because the longfin squid fished in these waters is world renowned for its exceptional flavour, tender flesh and high levels of omega-3. The squid is fished in early spring and autumn when it is at its meatiest and best.
More about squid & octopus
- Cephalopods. Squid, octopus and cuttlefish are cephalopods, which are a kind of mollusc. While cockles, clams and mussels have external shells, squids have an internal shell called a pen which looks like a transparent quill and cuttlefish also have an internal frame called a cuttlebone. An octopus has no shell.
- Octopus is highly nutritious. It is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, selenium for a healthy metabolism and to fight cell damage and Vitamin B12, which helps form healthy red blood cells that combats fatigue and weakness.
- Squid is also high protein and a great source of omega-3 to promote heart health. Squid is also a good source of zinc and copper to bolster immunity, and phosphorous for energy and healthy bones and teeth.
