Octopus with tomato sauce

Octopus with Tomato Sauce

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

This octopus with tomato sauce recipe is a true Mediterranean delight, perfect for a sophisticated dinner or a special occasion. The octopus, with its delicate texture and slightly salty flavor, pairs perfectly with the aromatic tomato sauce, creating a dish that will please any seafood lover.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh octopus
- 2 l water
- 1 lemon (juice)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 800 g canned or fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 glass of dry white wine (about 150 ml)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Chili flakes, to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the octopus: Start by washing the octopus well under cold running water, ensuring you remove any impurities. Cut the octopus into medium-sized pieces, which will facilitate even cooking.

2. Boiling the octopus: Place the water in a large pot and add the salt and lemon juice. Bring the water to a boil, then add the octopus. Boil for about 20-25 minutes or until the octopus becomes tender (test with a fork - it should easily pierce the flesh). After boiling, remove the octopus and let it cool slightly.

3. Preparing the tomato sauce: In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn them, as garlic can become bitter.

4. Adding the tomatoes: Once the onion and garlic are cooked, add the chopped tomatoes (if using fresh tomatoes, make sure they are peeled) and sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, if needed). Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

5. Combining the ingredients: Add the boiled octopus to the tomato sauce and pour in the white wine. Let everything simmer together for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. If you like a spicier sauce, add chili flakes.

6. Serving: Serve the octopus with tomato sauce warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. It is delicious alongside rice or a slice of crusty bread, which will soak up the aromatic sauce.

Practical tips:
- Choose fresh octopus, preferably from a local fish market, for the best results.
- If you can't find fresh octopus, you can use frozen octopus, which is a good alternative.
- Feel free to experiment with other ingredients, adding black olives, capers, or even watercress for extra flavor.

This octopus with tomato sauce recipe is not only tasty but also an excellent way to impress your guests. Whether you serve it at a family meal or a romantic dinner, this dish will bring a touch of magic to your table. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 300g fresh octopus, 1/2 lemon, 1-2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, 1 medium onion, 1/2 cup white wine, 2 medium tomatoes, 400g canned tomatoes, 6 fresh basil leaves, salt, pepper, 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika