Artichokes With Lemon Yogurt Dip Food

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.

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.

10 ARTICHOKE DIPPING SAUCES

Steps:

• Mix together in a small bowl and serve.

BAKED ARTICHOKES WITH GARLIC AND LEMON

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Combine the olive oil, basil, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, sea salt and fresh cracked pepper in a bowl. Mix until it becomes a paste.
• With kitchen scissors, trim all the sharp ends off of each leaf. Wash the artichoke well in cool water. Slice down the center to form two halves.
• Clean out all the fuzzy hairs and smaller leaves with a spoon then immediately rub all the cut areas with the zested and juiced lemon.
• Coat the baking dish with olive oil.
• Rub the paste all over the artichoke halves and inside the leaves.
• Place each artichoke half top side down in a baking dish.
• Pour the stock in the dish and cover with a lid or tin foil.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes or until soft and tender.
• Be sure to let cool for a few minutes before digging in!