Polpo Alla Luciana & The Perfect Recipe

Giallozafferano Italian Recipes

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Host: Giallozafferano Italian Recipes
Published: Jun 2, 2025
Views: 1.9k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 40 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 2

Overview

Polpo Alla Luciana is a stunning dish that showcases the beauty of Italian seafood cuisine. The octopus is the star, cooked gently in its own juices, which allows it to absorb the flavors of garlic, tomatoes, and olives. The process begins with a generous splash of olive oil in the pan, where garlic is sautéed to create a fragrant base. Adding the tomatoes and tomato puree brings a rich depth to the dish, while the olives and capers add a delightful briny contrast.

One of the key techniques in this recipe is to avoid adding salt at the beginning. The octopus will naturally release its flavors, making the dish savory without the need for extra salt. After simmering for 40 minutes, the octopus becomes tender and flavorful, ready to be paired with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

The final touches of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil elevate the dish, making it not only tasty but visually appealing. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, bringing a taste of the Italian coast to your table. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, Polpo Alla Luciana is sure to impress with its simplicity and depth of flavor.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:07

Start with a splash of oil in a pan.

2
00:10

Add plenty of garlic, tomatoes, and tomato puree to the pan.

3
00:15

Add olives with stones removed and salted capers.

4
00:20

Add the octopus to the pan without cleaning it first.

00:29

Tip: Avoid adding salt as the octopus will release its own flavor.

5
00:33

Simmer the octopus for 40 minutes.

6
00:39

Cut the bread to soak up the sauce later.

7
00:45

Remove the eyes and beak from the octopus.

8
00:51

Let the sauce cook for 15 minutes to reduce.

00:51

Tip: Let the sauce cook for 15 minutes to reduce and enhance flavor.

9
01:00

Add raw parsley and a splash of oil to the dish.

10
01:11

Taste the dish to check for flavor.

Ingredients

Serves: 2
Garlic4 cloves
Tomato400g
Tomato Puree200g
Olives100g
Capers50g
Parsley
Olive Oil50ml
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Shellfish

    → Substitution: Mushrooms

Nutrition

Calories
250
kcal per serving
Protein
30
per serving
Carbs
10
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!

Interesting Tidbits

  • Cooking octopus in its own water enhances its natural flavors.
  • Avoid adding salt initially, as the octopus releases its own flavor during cooking.
  • Cleaning the octopus after cooking can be easier and less messy.
  • Simmering the octopus for 40 minutes ensures it becomes tender.