Name: Charred Octopus with Peach, Arugula and Aged Balsamic
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1/2 small onion, peeled and quartered; 1 small celery stalk, sliced on the bias; 1/2 small carrot, peeled and sliced on the bias; 1 3-ounce piece prosciutto; 2 fresh Italian parsley sprigs; 3 garlic cloves, cut in half; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 8 cups water, approx.; 2 pounds octopus, head removed and tentacles separated; 2 tablespoons olive oil; -fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 cup baby arugula; 1 peach, halved, pitted, and thinly sliced; 4 tablespoons aged (at least 8 years) balsamic vinegar; 1 lemon, cut in half

Image may contain Plant Food Produce Vegetable and Arugula

Charred Octopus with Peach, Arugula and Aged BalsamicAngie Mosier

Learning to cook octopus properly is important because it can become a bit rubbery if not prepared correctly. This recipe teaches a great technique. The richness of the aged balsamic vinegar, the brightness of the peach, and the peppery bite of arugula come together in a harmonious way that celebrates all of the flavors, especially the octopus.

Recipe notes

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Salmon With Sizzled Nut Salsa

A savory-hot salsa made with mixed nuts (like the kind dubbed cocktail nuts meant for snacking) gives roast salmon a kaleidoscope of textures and flavors.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.