Gather the Ingredients
Before getting started, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 pound of baby octopus
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes (14 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Clean and Prepare the Octopus
Start by cleaning the baby octopus. Rinse them under cold water and remove any beaks or hard parts on the tentacles. Pat them dry using a paper towel.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
Cook the Octopus
Add the baby octopus to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The octopus will shrink slightly and begin to curl.
Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings
Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well to combine. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper, adjusting the seasonings to your taste. Stir everything together.
Simmer and Cook
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Allow the octopus to simmer gently for about 1 to 1 ½ hours. This slow cooking process ensures the octopus becomes tender and absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
Serve and Garnish
Once the baby octopus is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Let it cool slightly before serving. Plate the octopus and sauce, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy this incredibly flavorful dish with crusty bread or steamed rice. The combination of tender baby octopus and tangy tomato sauce is truly irresistible. Your guests will be impressed by your culinary skills and keep coming back for more.
Now that you have this step-by-step guide for cooking delicious baby octopus in tomato sauce, there’s no reason not to try it yourself. Prepare this impressive seafood dish and elevate your dining experience to new heights.