Recipe: Pasta with Octopus and Tomato (Pasta con Polpo e Pomodoro)
Category: Main Courses
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Spaghetti | 320g |
| Octopus | 800g |
| Ripe Tomatoes | 450g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Fresh Chili Pepper | 1 |
| Fresh Basil | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
To create this delightful Pasta with Octopus and Tomato, follow these easy steps for a fresh and savory meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
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Prepare the Octopus: Start by thoroughly cleaning the octopus. Rinse it well under cold running water, using a knife to remove the beak, eyes, and internal organs. Once the octopus is clean, it’s time to cook it. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and immerse the octopus. Boil it for approximately 45 minutes to an hour until it becomes tender. To check the doneness, insert a fork into the flesh; it should slide in easily. Once cooked, remove the octopus from the water, let it cool slightly, and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
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Prepare the Tomato Sauce: While the octopus cooks, dice the tomatoes into small cubes. In a large frying pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic clove (left whole) and the fresh chili pepper, and sauté for about 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then, add the cut octopus pieces to the pan, allowing them to brown for about 4-5 minutes.
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Combine Tomatoes: Once the octopus has nicely browned, add the diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gluten-free spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook the pasta until it is al dente.
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Final Steps: Once the spaghetti is ready, drain it and add it directly into the pan with the octopus and tomato sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce to ensure it is well coated. Add fresh basil leaves to the mixture, adjusting the seasoning with a touch more salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve: Plate the pasta, ensuring each serving gets a generous amount of octopus and tomato sauce. Garnish with additional basil and a light drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Enjoy your delicious, homemade pasta with octopus and tomato!
Tips:
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or a spoonful of capers to the sauce during the cooking process.
- If you like your dish a little spicier, feel free to increase the amount of chili pepper.
- Fresh octopus may be substituted with frozen octopus for convenience, though fresh typically yields a more tender result.
This Pasta with Octopus and Tomato is a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, bringing the taste of the sea straight to your plate. The delicate flavor of octopus pairs perfectly with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the kick of fresh chili, while the gluten-free spaghetti ensures that everyone can enjoy this dish without compromise.
