Spaghetti with Octopus Sauce Recipe from Malta

Spaghetti with Octopus Sauce

Spaghetti with Octopus Sauce Recipe from Malta
Region / culture: Malta | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spaghetti with Octopus Sauce
Spaghetti with Octopus Sauce

Spaghetti with Octopus Sauce is a delicious and unique dish that combines tender octopus with a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation.

History

This recipe has its roots in Italian cuisine, where seafood is a popular ingredient in many dishes. Octopus is a common seafood choice in Mediterranean cuisine, and when paired with spaghetti, it creates a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Peel and slice the onions.
  2. Cut the octopus into evenly sized pieces and fry in a little oil and water until tender.
  3. Add the tomato paste and herbs, and continue cooking for about 20 minutes on low heat.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by peeling the tomatoes and finely chopping them. Fry the onions in a pan until soft.
  5. Strain the octopus, but save the liquid.
  6. Slice the lemon zest.
  7. Add all the remaining ingredients to the first mixture and simmer for a while.
  8. Add the octopus liquid and simmer for another 15 minutes.
  9. Cook the spaghetti for no more than 7 minutes or until it is al dente. Pour the octopus sauce over the spaghetti and serve hot.
  10. Top with Parmesan cheese.

Variations

  • Add some chili flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Use different herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a different flavor profile.
  • Substitute the octopus with shrimp or calamari for a different seafood twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the octopus until it is tender, as overcooking can make it tough and chewy.

- Save the liquid from cooking the octopus to add extra flavor to the sauce.

- Don't overcook the spaghetti - it should be al dente for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spaghetti with Octopus Sauce with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the octopus until it is tender before adding it to the sauce.

- Simmer the sauce slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find octopus, you can use squid or another seafood of your choice.

- Use any type of pasta if you don't have spaghetti on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the octopus sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as mint or parsley, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Spaghetti with Octopus Sauce with a glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Sangiovese, to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spaghetti with Octopus Sauce contains approximately 480 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spaghetti with Octopus Sauce contains approximately 67g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spaghetti with Octopus Sauce contains approximately 12g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Spaghetti with Octopus Sauce contains approximately 32g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and vitamin B12 from the octopus.

Alergens

This recipe contains seafood (octopus) and gluten (spaghetti), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Spaghetti with Octopus Sauce is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a delicious dinner.

Summary

Spaghetti with Octopus Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to impress. With tender octopus, a rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers. Enjoy this delicious meal with family and friends for a memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It all started when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in a small coastal town in Italy. As soon as I arrived, I could smell the delicious aroma of fresh seafood wafting through the air. My aunt greeted me with a warm hug and a big smile, knowing how much I loved to cook.

She took me under her wing and taught me everything she knew about Italian cuisine. I spent hours in her kitchen, watching her expertly prepare traditional dishes with love and care. One day, she decided to teach me a recipe that was truly special – spaghetti with octopus sauce.

I was intrigued, as I had never tried octopus before, let alone cooked with it. My aunt led me to the local market, where we picked out the freshest octopus we could find. She showed me how to clean and prepare it, explaining that the key to a tender and flavorful sauce was to cook the octopus slowly over a low heat.

Back in her kitchen, we started by sautéing garlic and onions in olive oil until they were fragrant and golden. Then we added the octopus, along with a splash of white wine and a can of San Marzano tomatoes. We let the sauce simmer for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the octopus to become incredibly tender.

As the sauce bubbled away on the stove, my aunt taught me how to make homemade pasta from scratch. She showed me how to roll out the dough until it was paper-thin, then cut it into long, delicate strands. We cooked the pasta until it was al dente, then tossed it with the rich, savory octopus sauce.

When we sat down to eat, I couldn't believe how delicious it was. The tender octopus had soaked up all the flavors of the sauce, creating a dish that was both comforting and exotic. The combination of seafood, tomatoes, and herbs was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

From that day on, spaghetti with octopus sauce became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I made it for my family and friends, who were always amazed by the complex flavors and textures. I shared the recipe with anyone who would listen, eager to pass on the knowledge that my aunt had given me.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, always thinking back to that special day in my aunt's kitchen. It reminds me of the time and care she put into teaching me the art of Italian cooking, and the love she poured into every dish she made.

Now, as I prepare this recipe for my own grandchildren, I hope to pass on the same sense of tradition and joy that my aunt instilled in me. I hope that they will savor each bite of spaghetti with octopus sauce, knowing that it is more than just a meal – it is a taste of history and heritage, a reminder of the bonds that tie us together through food and family.

Categories

| Black Olive Recipes | Maltese Meat Dishes | Maltese Recipes | Mint Recipes | Octopus Recipes | Onion Recipes | Pea Recipes | Red Wine Recipes | Spaghetti Recipes | Tomato Paste Recipes | Tomato Recipes |

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