Artichokes With Garlic Saffron Sauce Food

GARLIC SAUTEED ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Rinse artichokes under cold water, and use a sharp knife to cut the top 1/3 off of each one. Trim the stems to about 1 inch, and remove the smaller leaves from around the base. Use scissors to remove any remaining leaf tips. Cut each artichoke in half from the bottom to the top, then use a spoon to scrape out the hairy choke. Rinse again to remove any residual hairs.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, and saute for about 1 minute to flavor the butter. Arrange artichoke halves cut-side down in the skillet. Saute for about 5 or 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Reduce heat to low, and pour in about 1/4 cup of water, cover, and let steam for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the artichokes are tender. A fork should easily pierce the stem.

PASTA IN A CREAMY ARTICHOKE AND SAFFRON SAUCE

Steps:

• Place a large pot of water with a tight-fitting lid over high heat and bring it to a boil to cook the pasta. Once it comes up to a boil, add some salt and the pasta. Cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well.
• While the pasta is cooking, preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat with the 2 tablespoons of EVOO, twice around the pan. Add the onions, garlic, saffron, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 4 minutes, or until the onions start to look tender. The onions will turn an outrageous yellow color, which is the saffron at work. Add the white wine; continue to cook until the wine has almost evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock and cream, then bring the sauce up to a bubble and simmer for about 4 minutes. Add the artichokes and cook until heated through, about 1 minute more. The sauce will be a beautiful yellow and will seem a little thin. Add the parsley and drained pasta and stir to combine with the sauce. The pasta will start soaking up the sauce right away. Turn the heat off, add the grated cheese, and stir to distribute. Taste and season the pasta with more salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a little extra grated cheese.
• Drizzle the greens with balsamic vinegar and EVOO, season with some salt and pepper, and toss. Serve the salad alongside the pasta with the crusty bread.

STEAMED WHOLE ARTICHOKES WITH SPICY LEMON CAPER MAYONNAISE

Steps:

• Place each artichoke on its side on a flat surface. Use a serrated knife to saw off the stem at the base of the artichoke so it can sit upright on a plate without falling over once cooked.
• In a large pot, add 3 inches of water. Insert a steamer basket. Place the artichokes top-down in the basket, wedged in a single layer. Cover. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 30 to 35 minutes. If the pot runs out of water while cooking, simply add more to the bottom.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, oil, capers, mustard, vinegar, hot sauce and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Garnish with the chives.
• Serve the artichokes with the dipping sauce.

ARTICHOKES WITH GARLIC SAFFRON SAUCE

Steps:

• Cut off the stems of the artichokes with a stainless-steel knife, break off the tough outer leaves, and cut off the top fourth of each artichoke. Snip off the tips of the remaining artichoke leaves with scissors and rub the cut edges with the lemon half. Arrange the artichokes upright in a microwave-safe dish, add 1 inch water and the garlic, and cover the dish tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Microwave the artichokes at high power (100%) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bases are tender.
• While the artichokes are cooking, in a blender blend together 3 tablespoons warm water, the vinegar, the orégano, the saffron, the sugar, and the oil. Transfer the cooked artichokes to 2 plates. Peel the garlic, in the blender purée it with the vinegar mixture until the mixture is smooth, and stir in the parsley and salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and serve it with the artichokes.

STEAMED ARTICHOKES WITH ALMOND SAFFRON DIP

Steps:

• Arrange the artichokes in a steamer basket set over at least 3 cups of water and steam, covered, until the leaves can be easily removed, about 1 hour. Let cool. About halfway through cooking check the water level and add more, if necessary.
• In a small bowl, stir together saffron and the tablespoon of boiling water. Toast the almonds in a small dry skillet over medium-high heat until beginning to brown, about 2 minutes. Remove the almonds and add 1 tablespoon of the oil to the pan. Add onion and cook until beginning to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl and let cool. In a food processor, grind the almonds until finely chopped. Add the saffron mixture, onion mixture, yogurt and parsley and puree until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Serve with the artichokes.