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Spaghetti with octopus sauce

17/11/2023

Spaghetti with octopus sauce is a classic Mediterranean dish, enriched with flavors of the sea. Here’s how to prepare this delight.

Ingredients

  • 400g of spaghetti
  • 1 medium-sized octopus (about 800g-1kg)
  • 500g of peeled tomatoes or tomato puree
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 glass of white wine
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt to taste
  • Red chili pepper (optional)
  • Extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

  1. Start by cleaning the octopus. Remove the mouth located at the center of the tentacles and the eyes. Clean the inside of the octopus under running water, removing any residues.

  2. In a large pot, boil the octopus for about 40-60 minutes (depending on the size) until it becomes tender. To make sure it’s soft, you can pierce it with a toothpick.

  3. Let the octopus cool down in its cooking water, then cut it into not too small pieces.

  4. In a wide pan, sauté the garlic in plenty of extra virgin olive oil. If you like, also add a piece of red chili pepper.

  5. Add the cut octopus into the pan and sauté for a few minutes.

  6. Deglaze with white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.

  7. Add the peeled tomatoes or tomato puree and cook over medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes. Adjust the salt and, if necessary, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

  8. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente.

  9. Drain the spaghetti and transfer it into the pan with the octopus sauce. Toss together for a minute so that the pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

  10. Serve the spaghetti with octopus sauce hot, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley.

Curiosity

Octopus is a very versatile ingredient in Italian cuisine and is the foundation of various traditional recipes. To achieve the best texture, it’s essential to cook it until tender yet not falling apart, thus maintaining its intense flavor and pleasant texture. Seafood is often paired with fresh, slightly sparkling white wines, such as a Vermentino or Trebbiano.

Buon appetito!