If you've ever come across this unusual tip - putting a cork in the pan when cooking octopus - and thought it was superstition or an eccentric chef's trick... know that there's a reason behind this ...

Clean and wash the octopus, put it in a pan without adding water. Cover and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Drain, peel off the skin. Cut the octopus into small pieces and return to the pan. Add oil, ...