Artichoke And White Bean Ravioli With Fresh Green Pea Sauce Piquillo Pepper Black Olive Relish And Ricotta Salata Recipes

WHITE BEAN-ARTICHOKE SPREAD WITH BRUSCHETTA

Steps:

• Preheat a grill.
• Begin by peeling 2 of the artichokes until you get to the hearts. Saute the artichokes in a medium size skillet with olive oil, shallots, thyme, and the white beans on medium high heat for 10 minutes or until softened. Place mixture into a blender and add remaining ingredients, and pulse until all ingredients are blended.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot.
• To make the crisp artichokes, simply cut the tough leaves around the artichokes until you reach the heart, keeping part of the stem. Cut into quarters, toss lightly in flour, and fry until crisp in the oil. Remove from pan, and drain on paper towels.
• To make the balsamic reduction, simply put the balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan on high heat, and reduce down to almost a syrup consistency. Remove from heat, and let cool to room temperature.
• To serve, grill 4 slices of sourdough bread rubbed with olive oil. Place on a serving plate. Top each slice with a few arugula leaves. Lightly spread a spoonful of the pureed artichoke mixture on the bread, and then top with crisp artichoke pieces. Drizzle a little balsamic reduction around bruschetta, and season with salt and pepper.

ARTICHOKES AND GREEN BEANS

Steps:

• Place beans in a steamer basket. Place in a saucepan over 1 in. of water; bring to a boil. Cover and steam for 6-8 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove from the heat and set aside. , In a nonstick skillet, toast bread crumbs over medium heat in 1 tablespoon oil; set aside. In the same skillet, saute onion and garlic in remaining oil until tender. Add the artichokes, salt, pepper and reserved beans. Cook and stir over low heat until heated through. Before serving, sprinkle with cheese and toasted bread crumbs.