I had lunch with a friend in Rozelle today and we decided to pop into About Life for their delicious cocoa chai. I always find it hard to resist browsing through the store even if I'm just getting take-away. The food displays seem to say, "Buy me. I'm organic. I'm good for you." And so that's what I did when I came across a beautiful pile of purple-green artichokes that looked more like something I'd put in a vase instead of on a plate. I've never cooked artichokes before so I decided today was the day.
I love artichokes and the most recent rendition I sampled was the 'carciofli alla giudia' (fried whole artichokes) from the Jewish ghetto in Rome. I've never had them steamed though so I thought I'd start with the basics and save myself from some deep fried calories.
Ingredients:
2 artichokes, trimmed (see link on how to trim and eat an artichoke)
dip:
2 T melted butter
2 T extra virgin olive oil
1/4 c grated parmesan cheese
1/4 t lemon zest
squeeze of lemon juice, to taste
1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Method:
Steam the artichoke for about 15-20 mins. They are done when you can easily slide a fork into the core. When artichokes are ready, dry them on paper towels.
Place all dip ingredients into a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
Arrange artichokes on a plate and serve with the dip.
Steamed artichokes are very subtle in flavour so they are best eaten on their own with a nice glass of white wine.
Serves 2-3.
Click here for printer friendly recipe.
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