Seafood main dishes

Octopus in Tomato Sauce

⏱ 150 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

When we talk about Octopus in Tomato Sauce, we immediately evoke the image of a dish rich in flavor and tradition, perfect for family lunches or a dinner among friends. This preparation, which combines the sweetness of the octopus with the freshness of the tomatoes, stands out for its tender texture and enveloping sauce, the result of slow and careful cooking. The octopus, a mollusk with a strong character, finds its exaltation in this dish thanks to a cooking technique that involves closing the saucepan, allowing the flavors to blend without dispersing. The choice to use peeled tomatoes, light and juicy, along with green olives, adds a salty note that perfectly balances the dish, making it ideal for those who love Mediterranean flavors. Although Octopus in Tomato Sauce does not have a specific regional origin, it is a recipe highly appreciated along the Italian coasts, where fish and seafood are the stars of local cuisine. Every family has its own variant, with some adding a touch of chili for a hint of spiciness, while others prefer to keep the dish simple and traditional. This dish is perfect for special occasions, such as a dinner during the holidays, but can also be served at an informal lunch, accompanied by good homemade bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. The freshness of the ingredients, combined with care in preparation, makes Octopus in Tomato Sauce a true symbol of Italian cuisine, capable of bringing not only flavors to the table but also a sense of belonging and conviviality.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 280 kcal / serving

Protein
35g
Carbohydrates
8g
Fat
12g
Fiber
1.5g

* approximate values per serving

Information
150 minutes Preparation time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Clean the octopus and place it in a not too wide saucepan. Season it with salt and pepper and drizzle with oil. Add the peeled tomatoes and olives. Close the saucepan and cook, without ever opening it, for 2 hours and 30 minutes. Place the octopus on a serving dish with its sauce. Sprinkle it with a mixture of garlic and parsley and serve.

Tips
To achieve a tender and flavorful octopus, make sure never to open the pot during cooking. This allows the flavors to blend and the octopus to cook evenly in its own moisture.
Trivia
Octopus is a traditional ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine and is often used in typical dishes from Italy's coastal regions, where fishing is a historically and culturally significant activity.