Fried Baby Artichoke With Yogurt Herb Dip Recipes

FRIED BABY ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Prepare the artichokes: Working with 1 artichoke at a time, snap off tough outer leaves until pale-green leaves are exposed. Cut off top third. Using a paring knife, peel dark-green layer from base and stem; trim stem.
• Pour oil and 1/2 cup water into a medium deep, heavy pot or Dutch oven. Add artichokes and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook over medium-high heat, turning artichokes occasionally, until water has evaporated and oil begins to spatter, about 8 minutes.
• Add garlic. Reduce heat to medium; cover pot with a spatter screen or an inverted sieve. Continue cooking artichokes, turning occasionally, until tender and golden brown all over, about 10 minutes. Turn artichokes cut sides down, and press with tongs, wiggling them to separate leaves. Cook until crisp and dark golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes more. Using tongs, transfer artichokes and garlic to paper towels; set artichokes cut sides down to drain. Sprinkle with salt. Serve with lemon for squeezing.

DEEP FRIED BABY ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Fill a large bowl halfway with water. Squeeze the lemon halves into the water and add the lemons. Trim the stem of 1 artichoke. Starting at the base, bend the tough outer leaves back and pull off where they break naturally. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the dark green skin from the base. Halve the artichoke lengthwise and scoop out any choke. Add to the lemon water. Repeat with the remaining artichokes.
• Heat the oil in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat until a thermometer registers 350 degrees F. Drain the artichokes and pat dry. Working in 2 batches, add the artichokes to the hot oil and cook until they are tender and golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the fried artichokes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Sprinkle with salt while artichokes are still warm and serve.

FRIED BABY ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Remove and discard the artichoke stems. Peel off lower leaves (approximately 18.) Slice off the top half so that only the light green remains (artichokes should be approximately 1 1/4 inches), then cut the artichoke in half lengthwise.
• Place the artichokes in a medium pot, flat side down, and add olive oil to just cover. Add the garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring the olive oil to a boil, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a low flame and simmer for 15 minutes. Insert a knife into the lower half and if easily penetrated, it's done.
• Remove the thyme and garlic from the pot, raise the heat and fry uncovered for approximately 2 minutes, turning over the artichokes midway. They are done when brown and crispy. Remove the artichokes from the pot and place them on paper towels flat side down. Sprinkle with salt and serve.

PAN-FRIED BABY ARTICHOKES WITH GREMOLATA

Steps:

• Remove dark tough exterior leaves from artichokes. Trim stem end and cut off top of each artichoke, then cut in half lengthwise. Put artichoke halves in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Leave to soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Mix together flour, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Drain artichokes, dip in seasoned flour to coat and put on a plate in one layer.
• Pour 1/2 inch oil in a wide skillet and place over medium-high heat. When oil is wavy, carefully slip in artichokes one at a time, taking care not to crowd the pan. (Fry in batches if necessary.) Let fry gently until one side is well browned, about 2 minutes, then turn over and brown other side. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt.
• Make the gremolata: Combine parsley, garlic, lemon zest, orange zest and capers. Put fried artichokes on a platter and sprinkle generously with the mixture. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges.

FRESH ARTICHOKES WITH LEMON-YOGURT DIP

Steps:

• Using a sharp knife, cut 1 in. from top of each artichoke and trim stem so it will stand upright. Using kitchen scissors, cut off tips of outer leaves. Place artichokes upright in a Dutch oven; cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until a leaf in the center pulls out easily, 35-40 minutes. Invert artichokes to drain. Cool slightly; cut each in half lengthwise. With a spoon, carefully scrape and remove fuzzy center of artichokes., In a cast-iron skillet or grill pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Place artichokes in pan, cut side down. Cook until lightly browned, 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Serve with artichokes and lemon wedges.