Finocchi Alla Giudia Recipes

ROMAN-JEWISH FRIED ARTICHOKES (CARCIOFI ALLA GIUDIA) RECIPE

Steps:

• Fill a large bowl with water; halve and squeeze 2 lemons into it. Trim artichokes following Roman-Jewish artichoke guidelines shown here : Remove tough dark green outer leaves to expose more tender light-green leaves within, then, using a paring knife, cut off top half of each leaf and trim base and stem. Trimmed artichokes will look like a closed rosebud. Transfer the peeled artichokes to the bowl of lemon water as you work, covering them with a clean kitchen towel to keep them completely submerged.
• In a large saucepan, heat 2 to 3 inches of oil to 280°F (130°C). Add artichokes (they should produce a steady but non-violent stream of bubbles) and cook until tender (you should be able to pierce their hearts easily with a fork), adjusting heat to maintain a steady bubble, about 10 minutes for baby artichokes and 15 minutes for larger ones. Turn larger artichokes frequently for even cooking.
• Using a slotted spoon or spider, transfer artichokes to a paper towel-lined plate. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Using your hands, gently pull open each artichoke "bud" so that it resembles an open flower. If using large artichokes, remove and discard the hair "choke" in the center of the artichoke. Increase oil temperature to 350°F (177°C).
• Fry artichokes until browned and crisp, 2 to 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or spider, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Season immediately with salt. Transfer to plates and serve right away with wedges of remaining lemon.

FINOCCHI ALLA GIUDIA

Steps:

• Trim fennel stalks flush with bulbs, reserving stalks for another use, and trim any discolorations from bulbs. Cut bulbs lengthwise in half or into quarters. Cut out most of cores, leaving enough to keep pieces intact, and discard cores.
• In a 12-inch heavy skillet warm oil over moderate heat and cook garlic until pale golden. Discard garlic and cook fennel, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add 1/2 cup broth or water and salt to taste and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally and adding more liquid if necessary, until fennel is very tender and golden brown, about 20 minutes (sauce should be syrupy and golden).

CARCIOFI ALLA GIUDIA

Steps:

• Select carefully the vessel in which you will fry the artichokes, as half their bulk must be immersed in the hot oil to cook them properly. In a large pot or deep fryer, warm the oil over a medium flame to ensure it heats evenly, without cold spots. Peel the artichoke stems to reveal their tender cores, tear away the hard petals, and trim the tips of the softer petals. Immerse the artichokes in very cold water, acidulated with the lemon juice, for 1/2 hour.
• Remove the artichokes from their acidy bath, drying them carefully on absorbent paper towels.
• Hold each artichoke by its stem or its stem end and forcefully slam it down onto a wooden board or marble slab to flatten it, spreading out its petals. Tuck generous pinches of sea salt and pepper between its petals.
• When the oil is very hot-but not at the maximum temperature of your deep fryer-place as many of the artichokes as will fit in the pan, stems up, leaving ample space for each of them to float about freely. Fry the artichokes for 6 to 7 minutes, turning often with tongs. Raise the heat to its maximum level and fry the artichokes for an additional 6 minutes, or until they've blossomed into great, bronzed, green roses.
• Remove the artichokes from the oil to rest a moment on absorbent paper towels and then mist them-using a plant mister-with iced, sea-salted water, the spritz ensuring the fried thistles' delectable crunch.
• Serve them as fast as you can, but only to people who are excited to eat them.