Baby Artichokes With Warm Vinaigrette Recipes

BABY ARTICHOKES WITH WARM VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Fill a small stockpot with water, and add 2 teaspoons salt and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Cut the lemon in half, squeeze juice into water, and add squeezed halves. Remove tough outer leaves of artichokes, and pare down stems using a vegetable peeler. Add artichokes to acidulated water, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook until leaves are easily removed and heart is tender when pierced with a knife, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain in a colander, and set aside.
• Place 1 teaspoon olive oil in a small saute pan over medium-low heat, and add the chopped shallot. Saute until translucent, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and add mustard, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper, and red-wine vinegar. Slowly whisk in remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil. Serve reserved artichokes with the warm vinaigrette on the side for dipping.

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.

GRILLED BABY ARTICHOKES WITH MIXED HERBS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• For the artichokes: Fill a large pot with cold water. Squeeze the lemons into the water, and then drop them into the pot. Add the olive oil and salt. Add the artichokes and cook until a paring knife inserted into the center meets with a little resistance, about 15 minutes. Drain and shock in cold water for 30 seconds. Drain again and transfer to a sheet lined with paper towels to dry.
• While the artichokes are cooking, make the vinaigrette: Whisk the mustard, honey, lemon zest and juice and some salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.
• Heat a charcoal or gas grill to high. Halve the artichokes, brush with canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until golden brown and slightly charred on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with the vinaigrette, herbs and red pepper flakes.
• Serve with grilled Italian bread.

ARTICHOKE & FENNEL SALAD WITH FRESH WARM TOMATO VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Vegetables -- In a large sauce pan add the olive oil and bring to medium heat. Add the vinegar, garlic, shallot and all the tomatoes and saute on medium to medium high heat until the tomatoes begin to fall apart. Bring to low heat and just simmer 15-20 minutes. Add the basil, salt and pepper to taste. The sauce is done.
• Artichokes and Fennel -- Thaw the artichokes and then cut in half. Also cut the fennel, removing the center bulb area and then slice fairly thin. In a large bowl, add both the fennel and artichokes along with the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper and Italian seasoning and toss to coat. Put on a cookie sheet lined with parchment or foil and bake at 425 degrees for about 15-20 minutes until they get soft and slightly golden brown. This can easily be done on the grill as well.
• Plate -- Add the artichokes and fennel to each plate and top with some of the fresh tomato sauce, and garnish with fresh basil and parmesan cheese. ENJOY!

ARTICHOKE SALAD WITH WARM TOMATO VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Snap tough outer leaves off artichokes; using a serrated knife, remove top third from each. Trim stems so artichokes stand upright. Rub cut surfaces with lemon (to prevent discoloration).
• Place artichokes in a wide pot, stemmed-sides up. Add enough water to come about a third of the way up sides. Season water with salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and steam until artichoke hearts are tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, about 30 minutes.
• Transfer artichokes, stemmed-sides up, to a towel-lined plate to drain. When cool enough to handle, use a spoon to remove center leaves from each artichoke, then to scrape out and discard chokes. Transfer artichokes to refrigerator.
• Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss bread with 2 tablespoons oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake until golden and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Cook bacon in a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until fat has rendered and bacon is crisp, 4 to 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels; discard all but 1 tablespoon fat from skillet.
• Add 1 tablespoon oil, shallot, and a pinch of salt to skillet; cook over medium heat until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar and capers; cook until reduced slightly, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in tomato and season with salt and pepper; cook until heated through, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in oregano and croutons. Season to taste.
• Score an X in the inside of each artichoke heart with the tip of a knife, then spoon about 1 tablespoon dressing mixture into each. Toss remaining dressing with chicories, basil, bacon, and remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 1 teaspoon vinegar. Season to taste; divide between artichokes and serve.