Throw the Octopus in the frying pan (1)

Paul the Psychic Octopus got himself in hot water (and possibly in hot oil) by making his predictions of match results in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. There were calls for chopping him up, stewing, frying, roasting or grilling him for the 'crime' of getting his predictions right. "Cut him up in thin slices and grill him on all sides with a dash of lemon juice, olive oil and garlic on it," said a German fan. "Throw him in the frying pan," wrote a German newspaper.

These two recipes provided in an online article are good examples of these calls for his head (or his tentacles):

"Paul the Psychic Octopus Stewed
Ingredients: Paul the Psychic Octopus, two onions, two cloves of garlic crushed, two tomatoes chopped, tablespoon of tomato puree, cup of red wine, olive oil, oregano, basil and lemon juice.

Method: Season the tenderised pieces of Paul with the lemon juice. Slice the onions and fry in the olive oil until golden. Add Paul. Cook for two minutes and add the chopped tomatoes, oregano, basil and garlic. Cook for another two minutes and add the wine. Let this simmer for about five minutes and add the tomato puree. Add enough hot water to cover and simmer for ninety minutes. Serve with rice and bread.

Paul the Psychic Octopus Curry
Ingredients: Paul the Psychic Octopus, 500g of tinned chopped tomatoes, teaspoon of turmeric, teaspoon of cumin, teaspoon of ground coriander, teaspoon of garam masala, half a teaspoon of ground black pepper, two cloves, one onion chopped, two cloves of crushed garlic, 3cm piece of ginger crushed, two bay leaves, one chopped chili (more for a hotter curry), chopped coriander leaves and olive oil,

Method: Heat half the oil in a saucepan and fry the pieces of tenderised Paul for a couple of minutes and add the pepper and cloves. Add a little water and simmer gently for twenty minutes. In another pan, heat the rest of the oil and fry the onion, garlic, ginger and bay leaves until the onion starts to brown. Stir in the tomatoes and simmer for twenty minutes. Add the turmeric, cumin, ground coriander, garam masala and chilli. Cook for ten more minutes and add the chopped coriander leaves. Add the Paul mixture and some hot water and stir well. Cook until the sauce thickens. Serve with rice or bread.

Alternatives to Paul the Psychic Octopus
For those who cannot get hold of Paul the Psychic Octopus, any other octopus can be substituted in these recipes. After all, it is the thought that counts."

And this link leads to a sports news video clip show how the German public scoffed at his predictions.

At the end of the day, all these were just said in good humour. As the spokeswoman of Sea Life, the aquarium which is Paul's home in Oberhausen: "Nothing bad will happen to Paul. No one wishes him ill-will. Paul has had a great run."