Roasted Artichoke With Fresh Tarragon And Dijon Vinaigrette Recipes

ROASTED ARTICHOKE WITH FRESH TARRAGON AND DIJON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450F.
• Prep the artichokes by cutting them in half lengthwise, removing the choke and the tough inner leaves with a spoon. Soak in a bowl of water with the juice of the lemon to keep them from browning.
• Line a rimmed baking tray with foil and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the artichokes cut side down. Rub the outside of the artichokes with the remaining olive oil and pour the vegetable broth or water around them in the pan. Place in the oven to roast 20-25 minutes, or until the heart is tender when pierced with a knife and outside leaves are slightly brown.
• While the artichokes cook, make the vinaigrette by adding garlic, vinegar and mustard to a blender. Blend on high, while slowly adding the olive oil. The vinaigrette should have the consistency of heavy cream. If it is too thick, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time. Stir in chopped tarragon and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Remove the artichokes from the oven and place on a platter, serve with the vinaigrette on the side.

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.

ARTICHOKE AND BUTTER LETTUCE SALAD WITH TARRAGON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice, shallot, and mustard and then gradually whisk in the olive oil to create an emulsion. Add the tarragon; season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until serving time.
• Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the lemon juice and the prepared artichoke bottoms. To keep the artichokes from bobbling to the top, weight them with a pot lid that's smaller than the boiling pot. Keep the pot uncovered and adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until the artichokes are tender when pierced with a knife, about 20 minutes. Drain upside down on paper towels until cool.
• Tear the lettuce into bite size pieces. Halve each artichoke bottom and cut each half into 5 or 6 wedges. Put the artichoke wedges in a salad bowl and add 2 TBs of the vinaigrette; toss to coat. Add the lettuce and the remaining dressing and toss gently. Arrange the salad on six plates and garnish with the egg wedges. Serve immediately.