Octopus Cooked in White Wine

Directions

1. 1
   Octopus is usually sold cleaned and tenderized.
2. 2
   But here is how you clean it if you have to do it yourself: Cut partway through the muscle which unites the tentacles to the inside of the head and discard all the contents of the head cavity.
3. 3
   This involves pulling or cutting out the ink sac, the hard oval beak, and the gelatinous innards.
4. 4
   Turn the head inside out and wash well under running water.
5. 5
   Squeeze or cut out the eyes and any cartilage.
6. 6
   Remove any scales which may be left on the suckers and wash the octopus thoroughly.
7. 7
   Blanch the octopus for 5 minutes in boiling water, then drain.
8. 8
   Put it in a saucepan with the wine, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper, and just enough water to cover.
9. 9
   Simmer over very low heat for about 11 1/2 hours, until tender, adding water to keep it covered.
10. 10
    Lift out the octopus and reduce the sauce.
11. 11
    Cut the octopus into 1-inch slices, and mix with the sauce and the olive oil.
12. 12
    Serve cold, sprinkled with parsley.