Grilled Baby Octopus & Cumin-White Bean Salad

1. Put octopus in large pot; pour in wine and about 8 cups water. Add peppercorns, thyme, salt, garlic, carrot, onion, and celery; bring liquid to a boil over high heat, then lower heat and let simmer until octopus is tender, 1-1 1/2 hr., depending on size. Periodically skim any impurities from surface.

2. Remove octopus from cooking liquid; strain liquid and return to pot over high heat. Cook until liquid reduces to 3 tbsp. Remove pot from heat and let liquid cool.

3. Put cooking liquid in a bowl; add 1/4 cup olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Whisk together; adjust seasoning, if necessary.

4. Grill octopus until charred on both sides, approximately 6 min. total.

5. Toss arugula with 2 tbsp. olive oil. Spoon bean salad in center of plates. Top with octopus and arugula. Drizzle vinaigrette around plate.
 

Cumin-White Bean Salad:

1. Drain beans and put in a pot with about 5 cups cold water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat; lower heat and let simmer, covered, until beans are tender, about 1 1/2 hr.

2. Let beans cool; toss with red onion, tomato, jicama, cucumber, jalapeño, cumin, rice vinegar, lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, and mint. Season with salt and pepper.