Spaghetti with Tender Octopus in Rich Tomato Sauce

Spaghetti with Octopus Tomato Sauce
Category: Pasta Dishes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Octopus:
   Start by cleaning the octopus and cutting it into bite-sized pieces, about 2 cm each. Set it aside.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   Peel and finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery. Also, slice the fresh chili pepper to add a little heat to the dish.

3. Cook the Base:
   Heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, celery, and chili pepper to the pan. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aromas.

4. Add the Octopus:
   Once the vegetables have softened, add the octopus pieces to the pan. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the octopus to release its natural juices. Once the water from the octopus has evaporated, it’s time to add the tomato passata and the tomato paste. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients well.

5. Simmer the Sauce:
   Lower the heat and cover the pan with a lid. Let the sauce simmer gently for about an hour. If necessary, add a bit of hot water during cooking to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or sticking to the pan.

6. Toast the Bread Crumbs:
   While the sauce is simmering, tear the bread into small pieces and toast them in a separate pan with a little olive oil until golden brown and crispy. This will create a delicious crunchy topping for the pasta.

7. Cook the Spaghetti:
   In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until it is very al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest.

8. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Once the spaghetti is ready, drain it, but reserve a small cup of pasta water. Add the drained spaghetti to the pan with the octopus sauce, and continue cooking together over medium heat for another minute or so, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce. If necessary, add a little pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.

9. Finishing Touches:
   Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt or chili if needed.

10. Serve:
    Plate the spaghetti, topping it with the crispy toasted bread crumbs for an extra crunch. Enjoy your delicious Spaghetti al sugo di polpo!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

This classic Spaghetti al sugo di polpo is an absolute delight for seafood lovers, combining the delicate flavors of octopus with the rich, savory depth of tomato sauce. The added toasted breadcrumbs lend a nice texture to each bite, while the fresh chili pepper gives it a touch of heat. It’s a flavorful and hearty dish that perfectly pairs with a glass of crisp white wine. Buon appetito!