Spaghetti with Pepper Cream and Octopus

I can guide you through the preparation of a dish of spaghetti with pepper cream and octopus, a combination where the sweet and smoky taste of the peppers marries perfectly with the sea flavor of the octopus. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

For 4 people:

• 320 g of spaghetti
• 1 medium-sized octopus (about 800 g)
• 2 red bell peppers
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 clove of garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A small handful of chopped parsley
• (optional) Chili pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Octopus cleaning: First, clean the octopus by removing the insides of the head and the skin, if you wish. Also remove the central beak and the eyes. Rinse well under cold running water.

2. Cooking the octopus: Place the octopus in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it cook for about 45 minutes or until it is tender. To check the doneness, pierce the octopus with a fork; it should enter easily. Once cooked, turn off the heat and let it cool in its cooking liquid.

3. Making the pepper cream: Meanwhile, roast the peppers in the oven at 200 °C until they blacken and blisters form on their surface, about 20-30 minutes. Then, put them in a food-grade plastic bag to facilitate peeling. After a few minutes, peel them and remove seeds and inner filaments. Blend the peppers in a mixer with a drizzle of oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Cutting the octopus: Once the octopus is cool, cut it into not too small pieces.

5. Cooking the spaghetti: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti following the instructions to achieve al dente texture.

6. Seasoning the spaghetti: In a large pan, fry a clove of garlic in oil, then remove it and add the cut octopus. Let it brown and then add the pepper cream. Stir well and, if necessary, add some pasta cooking water to thin out the cream.

7. Conclusion: Drain the al dente spaghetti and transfer them to the pan with the pepper cream and octopus, stirring for a few minutes. If you like, add a pinch of chili pepper for a spicy touch.

8. Serving: Plate the spaghetti, sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Curiosity

The octopus has a long history in Mediterranean cuisine and is often combined with simple ingredients that enhance its flavor without overpowering it. In this recipe, the sweetness of the roasted peppers creates a delicious balance with the texture and sea taste of the octopus. It’s a dish that captures the summer flavors of the Mediterranean and surprises for its delicacy and sophistication.