2 lb Octopus, skinned
2 md Onions, finely chopped
1 c Garlic, finely chopped
1 Bay leaf
1 pn Oregano, dry
1/2 ts Fines herbes
1 c Wine, dry white
Butter 2 tb Tomato paste
16 oz Tomato, whole, can
2 c Rice
Pound the octopus in order to tenderize it, and cut into cubes. Saute the onions in1/4 lb butter until golden brown; add garlic, bay leaf, oregano, fines herbes, and octopus. Saute for a few more minutes; then add tomato paste, whole tomatoes and wine. Stir well, cover and simmer over low fire for one hour, or until octopus is tender. When octopus is cooked, place 3-1/2 cups water,1/2 cup of octopus sauce and 2 Tbsp butter in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil, add rice, stir, lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes. To serve, shape the rice into individual mounds with a cup, and cover with octopus and remaining sauce. This may be prepared ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving. It’s delicious with boiled greens and white retsina.