OCTAPODI KOKKINISTO (GREEK OCTOPUS IN TOMATO SAUCE)

Octapodi Kokkinisto (Greek Octopus in Tomato Sauce) image

Octopus is an incomparable treat. I love it grilled, in a salad or in tomato sauce. For many, cooking octopus may seem daunting - but I assure you, it couldn't be easier. Serve this dish with hand-cut french fries or with rice. Never add water; you want the octopus to cook in its own juices for best flavor.

Provided by Diana Moutsopoulos

Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Greek

Time 1h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

2 pounds octopus, cut into 3-inch pieces
¾ cup olive oil
8 small red onions, cut into thin wedges
3 bay leaves
2 cups crushed tomatoes
½ teaspoon sea salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

Place the octopus pieces into a large saucepan. Cover, and cook over medium-high heat until the octopus has released its juices, 10 to 15 minutes. Uncover, and continue simmering until the liquid has reduced to 3 to 4 tablespoons, 20 to 25 minutes.
Drizzle the octopus with olive oil, then stir in the onions and bay leaves. Cook and stir until the onions have softened, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the octopus is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 25 minutes. Cook uncovered for the last 10 minutes if the sauce is too thin.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 411.7 calories, Carbohydrate 14.6 g, Cholesterol 72.7 mg, Fat 28.8 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 24.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 502.4 mg, Sugar 5.5 g