posted by Lisa UK July 99
Octapothi me Krassi Octopus in Red Wine
1 large octopus or 2 small ones (get your fishmonger to clean it for you and keep the ink sac too)
1/2 pint olive oil
1 1/2 lb shallots, peeled
1 dessert spoon tomato paste
2 bay leaves
2 cloves garlic
1 large wine glass of good red wine
salt and pepper
Cut the octopus into pieces about 2 inches long and put into a pan without water.
Leave on a low heat for about 20 minutes until the juices have run out and evaporated.
Shake every so often to avoid sticking. Add oil, shallots, bay leaves, garlic and tomato paste.
Add 2 tbs water and stir well for about five minutes.
Next put in the wine and the ink from the octopus (if you want to) and add enough water to just cover the contents of the pan.
Cook very gently for about one and a half hours. The octopus should be tender. Serve with plain rice.