Braised Spring Artichokes

One of the first things I planned to do once we returned to Umbria this spring was to hit the local markets and buy fresh artichokes, so on Monday, although still recovering from jet lag, we got up bright and early drove to the Marsciano market and bought a dozen fresh spring chokes. I love artichokes just about any way you could possibly prepare them, but my favorite method is to simply braise them until they are meltingly tender. I love to serve artichokes this way on an antipasto platter with other vegetables, or simply on their own as a first course followed by a pasta dish for a casual family dinner at home.

My artichokes were fairly small and very fresh so I did not cut them in half and remove the inner spiny choke. If yours are larger, or you are not certain of their freshness, simply cut in half and scoop out the choke. Read How To Clean An Artichoke and Mysteries Of The Artichoke Unveiled for more information and instruction.

Serves 4

by Deborah Mele

4 Tablespoons Extra-virgin Olive Oil

4 Garlic Cloves, Thinly Sliced

4 Medium Artichokes, Trimmed 

1 1/4 Cups Dry White Wine

Sea Salt & Cracked Black Pepper

Juice Of 1/2 Lemon

4 Tablespoons Fresh Chopped Parsley or Mint

Heat the olive oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, and then

add the garlic and sauté, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. Next add the artichokes and stir to coat in the oil. Add the wine, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook until the chokes are fork tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Add the fresh chopped parsley or mint and toss.  Transfer the artichokes to a serving platter. Bring the remaining liquid to a boil and reduce by half. Drizzle over the chokes and sprinkle with the lemon juice. Allow to cool to room temperature and serve.

My Fresh Artichokes Ready For Cleaning!

 

 

Ode To The Perfect Artichoke