Salada de Polvo: the taste of Summer

Octopus Salada at Isaías in Sesimbra. Photo by Filipe Gill

Early Summer in Sesimbra. It is getting hot for the first time this year. After a day on the beach, it is time to sit down for a late afternoon snack. “Salada de Polvo” is on the menu. Good news!

Why is this dish so special? To me, it is the best food to enjoy in the Summer.

The octopus is soft and tasty;

The onions are finely chopped and sweet;

The tomato is beginning to get ripe, and thus sweet with the right acidity;

The parsley gives it the freshness and dark green;

The olive oil is fruity, but not too much;

The vinegar is acid ma n on troppo;

The salt is course and present in the right measure;

All we need is some fine bread from “Alentejo”, slightly toasted, and a glass of cold beer.

The rest is the sense of calm enjoyment.

The good things in life are simple and (fairly) accessible.