Polpo in umido

Octopus and Potatoes Braised in Tomato Sauce

📝 Ingredients

• 1 kilo 2 lbs octopus (fresh or frozen and thawed, trimmed and cut into largish serving pieces )
• 1 medium onion ( chopped )
• 1-2 cloves garlic (peeled and chopped )
• 1 bottle tomato passata
• white wine
• 500 g 1 lb yellow potatoes (peeled and cut into wedges )
• olive oil
• 1-2 sprigs parsley (finely minced )
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1In a large braiser preferably made of terracotta, or in a cast iron Dutch oven, sauté gently the onions in abundant olive oil until soft and translucent.
2. 2Add the garlic, along with the red pepper flakes if using, giving everything a stir. Sauté for just a few moments.
3. 3Add the octopus pieces and turn them in the soffritto. Add a splash of white wine, then cover and let the octopus simmer for about half an hour.
4. 4Add the tomato passata and let simmer for a further 30 minutes, or until the octopus is almost tender, adding a drizzle of water if need be to prevent things from drying out.
5. 5Add the potatoes and mix them in with the octopus. Top up with enough water to barely cover the potatoes. Let octopus and potatoes simmer for another 15 minutes or so, or until both are fully tender and the sauce well reduced.
6. 6Add the minced parsley and stir again and turn off the heat.
7. 7Serve while stir warm, topped with some more minced parsley for color if you like.