Baby Octopus and Tomato Spaghetti

These little baby octopuses may look like the cutest things you’ve ever seen, but believe me, they can cause some serious headaches. You need to take your time with them, caress them, and only then will they become the amazing ingredient that makes this Baby Octopus and Tomato Spaghetti shine. To do that, you need to bring a big pot of water to a simmer and leave the little devils in to bathe for one hour.

They will like it so much in there that they’ll become beautifully tender and a real joy to eat.

But I guess the octopuses feel a bit lonely, so let’s bring some more ingredients into the game. I was thinking of going the Mediterranean way. A drizzle of olive oil, a couple of garlic cloves, and some tomatoes to make a delicious sauce. Maybe a glass of red wine to go along? What do you think?

INGREDIENTS

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty dish:

• 200 g of spaghetti pasta
• 200 g of baby octopus
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (450 g) can of chopped tomatoes
• 1 lime
• 1 handful of finely chopped parsley
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

How to Make Baby Octopus and Tomato Spaghetti?

Step 1:

The main goal of this recipe is to make the baby octopuses tender. So, in order to achieve this bring a big pot of water to a simmer and put the little devils in. Leave them on the heat for one hour.

Step 2:

When done, drain the water and gently wash them under warm water. If they have a dark violet colored thin skin wash it all off. It’s not really an appetizing view, so you don’t want that on the table.

Step 3:

When you’re done washing the little beauties leave them to rest for a couple of minutes. In the meantime, heat up your olive oil in a non-stick pan. Add the garlic and fry it for about one minute until it’s soft. Add the tomatoes along with the juices inside the can, pour a glass of warm water, stir a bit and bring to a simmer. Add the octopuses, stir to cover them with the wonderful juices, season with salt and pepper and leave on medium heat for about 20 to 30 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Step 4:

In the meantime fill a large pot about three quarters full with water and bring to a boil. Add a good dash of salt and add the spaghetti. Cook them as indicated on the package. Preferable al dente, so they don’t become mushy in the end.

Step 5:

When the spaghetti are done, drain the water and place them in the pan on top of the tomato sauce. Stir so the pasta gets covered with the sauce. Squeeze some lime juice, to taste, and sprinkle the parsley. Stir a bit more and take the pan off the heat. Serve immediately.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling octopus and pasta)
• Non-stick pan (for the sauce)
• Colander (for draining octopus and pasta)
• Wooden spoon (for stirring)
• Knife and cutting board (for mincing garlic and chopping parsley)
• Citrus juicer or fork (for squeezing lime juice)

Helpful Tips!

• Always use fresh baby octopus if possible.
• Don’t forget to simmer the octopus for at least an hour. So, be patient.
• Also, try to Taste the sauce before serving it and see if it needs more spices; sometimes, it will need more lime juice.

What to Serve with Baby Octopus and Tomato Spaghetti?

I love to enjoy my Baby Octopus and Tomato Spaghetti with some breads like a garlic bread to soak up that delicious tomato sauce, also I love it with some Garlic Mushrooms as a side, Also a simple antipasto platter with olives, cheeses, and cured meats will be so good to have a full Mediterranean-inspired feast.

FAQ

Can I use frozen baby octopus?

Yes, you can use frozen baby octopus.

How do I know when the octopus is tender?

The octopus should feel soft after simmering for an hour.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can use about 4-5 fresh tomatoes, chopped, instead of canned tomatoes.

What if I don’t have lime?

You can substitute lime juice with lemon juice.

Can I add other seafood to this dish?

You can add shrimp or calamari if you want.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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