Spring is here and so are artichokes! An artichoke can be a spectacular dish; it is a dish that makes an impressive starter no matter what the occasion. There are so many ways to prepare them, but my family’s favorite is this easy and simple recipe.
Note: When buying artichokes choose a large bulb with leaves that are tight. Artichokes are cooked perfectly when you pull out an inner leaf and remove the meaty part with your teeth and it is creamy. When you get to the center of the artichoke (which is the best part) take a spoon and pull the fuzzy hairs.
ARTICHOKE APPETIZER
Ingredients:
4 large artichokes
1/2 lemon
Dressing:
1/3 cup of good quality olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and ground pepper to taste
Directions:
Wash artichokes under cold water. Cut off bottom stem. Trim tips of leaves with scissors to remove thorns. Place artichokes in a deep pot with 3 inches of boiling water, add 1/2 a lemon to prevent oxidation. Cover with a lid and gently boil for 25 minutes until a leaf near the center pulls out easily. When done cooking, remove from the pot and stand the artichoke upside down on a plate to drain. Let the artichoke cool to room temperature.
Dressing:
In a small bowl whisk olive oil, mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper and mix well. Serve artichoke on a plate with a small bowl for the dressing and an additional bowl to place the discarded leaves.
