Though Rose Pascale always uses fresh octopus (sold as pulpo in many Latino markets), we found that it's generally sold frozen. You may need to special-order or reserve octopus from your local fish market several days ahead.
Ingredients
1 (31/2-lb) cleaned frozen octopus, thawed
2 (35-oz) cans plum tomatoes, including juice
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 lb dried linguine
Directions
Put tentacles from octopus head (just below eyes) and discard head. Fill a 6- to 8-quart pot three-fourths full with water and bring octopus to a boil (do not salt water; it will make octopus tough). Simmer until tender when pierced with a fork, about 1 hour. Drain and cool slightly. Rinse under cold running water to remove as much of purple outer coating as possible without removing suction cups. Drain well and cut crosswise into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
While octopus simmers, chop tomatoes, reserving juices.
Sautá garlic and red pepper flakes in oil in a 6- to 8-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat, stirring, until golden, about 1 minute. Stir in parsley and basil. Add tomatoes with juices and bring to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes.
Add octopus and cook until very tender when thick parts are pierced with a fork, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, boil linguine in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain well.
