Octopus with Lemon and Chilli Dressing

Ingredients:

• Octopus – 2 kg, cleaned and gutted
• Olive Oil – 2 cups
• Lemon Juice – 1 cup
• Rind of 1 Lemon – finely grated
• Green Chillies – 2, seeded and finely chopped
• Garlic Cloves – 2, finely chopped
• Fresh Cilantro – 1 tblsp
• Salad Greens to serve
• Salt
• Pepper

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F/150C.
2. Place the octopus in a lidded casserole just large enough to hold it.
3. Pour enough olive oil to cover.
4. Cover and cook in the oven for 2 hours until very tender.
5. Drain the octopus well and discard the oil.
6. Separate the tentacles and remove the suckers.
7. Thinly slice the tentacles and place in a bowl.
8. Mix together 1/2 cup of the remaining olive oil, the lemon juice and rind, chillies, garlic and cilantro in a pitcher.
9. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
10. Pour the dressing over the octopus.
11. Toss gently, then cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 2 hours.
12. Serve on a bed of salad greens.