Ingredients (Serves 4):
12 oz (340g) spaghetti
1 lb (450g) octopus (fresh or thawed, cleaned)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 fresh chili peppers (depending on desired heat), sliced (or use dried red pepper flakes)
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup dry white wine
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
2. Prepare the Octopus:
If using fresh octopus, place it in a large pot of water and bring it to a boil. Simmer the octopus for about 30-40 minutes, or until tender. Once cooked, remove from water, let it cool, and cut it into small bite-sized pieces.
If using pre-cooked octopus, simply slice it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Chilli:
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced chili peppers, and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Cook the Octopus:
Add the sliced octopus to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned and heated through.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
5. Deglaze with Wine:
Pour in the white wine, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces slightly, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine the Pasta:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the octopus and tomatoes. Toss gently to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help coat the spaghetti with the sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish.
💡 Tips:
Octopus Cooking: If you want extra tender octopus, you can simmer it slowly in water with a cork (a traditional method) or cook it gently for longer until it's tender.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili pepper based on your preferred heat level. For a milder dish, reduce the chili pepper or use mild red pepper flakes.
Wine Substitute: If you don't have white wine, you can substitute with fish stock or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
This Spaghetti with Octopus, Cherry Tomatoes, and Chilli Pepper brings the Mediterranean to your table with its bright flavors and satisfying texture. Enjoy! 🍝🦑🌶