Octopus in Tomato Sauce

Enjoy this traditional recipe from Malta which makes a very flavorful sauce for octopus with potatoes, tomatoes, red wine and a hint of citrus that can be served over spaghetti, or just on its own.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 499 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 bay leaves
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cup red wine
• ¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1 (8 ounce) can peas, drained
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice
• 1 ½ pounds octopus
• 10 whole pitted ripe olives

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place the octopus into a large pot and fill with enough lightly salted water to cover. Bring to a boil, and then simmer over medium heat until octopus is opaque, about 15 minutes. Drain and allow to cool slightly; cut into bite-size pieces.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, mint leaves, curry powder and mixed spice; cook and stir until onion is soft. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix in the octopus pieces, wine, lemon zest and orange zest. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to blend the flavors, then stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, peas, potatoes, olives and bay leaves. Cover and simmer over low heat until potatoes and octopus are tender, about 45 minutes.