Artichokes With Tomato Herb Dressing Recipes

ARTICHOKE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Trim the sharp tips of the outside artichoke leaves with a sharp knife. Cut off the top of the artichoke about 1-inch and remove the stem so that the bottom is flat. Wash the artichoke in cold water and rub all cut surfaces with some of the fresh lemon juice and pulp.
• (A round slice of lemon may be tied to the bottom of the artichoke to prevent oxidation of the base.)
• Bring water to a boil, add the salt and the remaining pieces of the lemon, rind and all, and place the artichokes base down. Cover the pot and bring the water to the boil again before lowering the heat to a simmer. Cook the artichoke at a steady simmer for 35 to 45 minutes or until a leaf pulls easily free from the center. Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the water, remove cool to room temperature. When cool some of the cooking juices may be drizzled over the top of the artichokes.
• In a stainless steel bowl combine the vinegar, mustard, herbs, salt and pepper and whisk to emulsify. Add the oil in a small steady stream until all the oil has been incorporated and the dressing has achieved a silky, smooth texture. The dressing may be stored, covered, for up to two weeks in the refrigerator, but should be brought to room temperature before using.
• Serve the artichoke with some vinaigrette on the side as a dip for each leaf or drizzled over the heart.

SAUTEED BABY ARTICHOKES WITH OVEN-DRIED TOMATOES AND GREEN-OLIVE DRESSING

Steps:

• Fill large bowl with cold water. Cut lemon in half; squeeze juice into water in bowl, then add lemon halves. Cut off stem and top quarter from 1 artichoke. Bend back dark green outer leaves and snap off at artichoke base until only pale green and yellow leaves remain. Cut artichoke lengthwise in half. Using point of knife, remove any purple-tipped leaves from center of artichoke. Place artichoke halves in lemon water. Repeat with remaining artichokes.
• Drain artichokes well. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add artichokes, sprinkle with salt and pepper and sauté 3 minutes. Add garlic and herbes de Provence and sauté until artichokes begin to brown slightly, about 6 minutes. Add broth and wine and bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until artichokes are tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Uncover and simmer until all liquid is absorbed, about 3 minutes. Transfer artichokes to platter; cover and keep warm.
• Heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil in same pot over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until tender and golden brown, about 8 minutes; season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer mushrooms and Oven-dried Tomatoes to platter with artichokes. Spoon Green-Olive Dressing over. Garnish with lemon slices and serve.
• *A dried herb mixture sold at specialty foods stores and in the spice section of some supermarkets. A mix of dried thyme, basil, savory, and fennel seeds can be substituted.

ARTICHOKE DIP WITH FRESH HERBS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, mix all dip ingredients except tomatoes. Spread in ungreased 9-inch quiche dish, glass pie plate or shallow 1-quart casserole.
• Bake 18 to 24 minutes or until hot. Top with tomatoes and additional chopped dresh parsley. Serve warm with dippers. Cover and refrigerate any remaining dip.

ARTICHOKES WITH TOMATO-BACON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• With a serrated knife cut artichoke stems flush with bottoms. Cut off and discard top inch from artichokes. In a saucepan cover artichokes with salted water and bring to a boil. Simmer artichokes, covered, until just tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
• While artichokes are cooking, coarsely chop bacon and in a skillet cook over moderate heat, stirring, until golden. With a slotted spoon transfer bacon to paper towels. Halve and seed tomatoes and cut into 1/4-inch dice. Finely chop shallot and capers. In a bowl combine lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk in oil in a slow stream until emulsified and add bacon, tomatoes, shallot, and capers.
• Drain artichokes upside down on a rack and arrange each on a plate. Separating leaves slightly, drizzle vinaigrette between leaves and onto plates.

TOMATOES AND ARTICHOKE HEARTS

Steps:

• In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic cloves; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add plum tomatoes; cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, 5 to 6 minutes.
• Add artichoke hearts; cook until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with coarse salt and ground pepper.

ARTICHOKES WITH TOMATO-HERB DRESSING

Steps:

• Wash artichokes; trim off stem and any small leaves.
• Cut off one-quarter of the leaf tips.
• Quarter artichokes; use a spoon to scrape out the fuzzy choke.
• In a Dutch oven cook artichokes and 2 tablespoons of vinegar, covered, in boiling salted water for 10 minutes or tender and a leaf pulls off easily.
• Drain; rinse in cold water and drain again.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together remaining vinaigrette, tomato, bell pepper, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
• Arrange artichoke quarters on a serving platter or individual plates lined with lettuce, if desired.
• Spoon dressing mixture over artichokes.
• Sprinkle with cheese.