Grilled Artichokes With Raw Tomato Compote Food

GRILLED ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• To prepare artichokes: Fill a Dutch oven with water; add the juice of 1 lemon. Trim leaves from the top of an artichoke. Remove the outer layer(s) of leaves from the stem end and snip all remaining spiky tips from the outer leaves. Trim an inch off the bottom of the stem and use a vegetable peeler to remove the fibrous outer layer. As each artichoke is prepared, drop it into the lemon water to prevent it from turning brown.
• When all the artichokes are prepared, cover the pan and bring to a boil. Boil until the base of the stem can be pierced with a fork, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let stand until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, preheat grill to medium. Slice the artichokes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the choke and first few inner layers in the center until the bottom is revealed. Brush each half with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the artichokes until tender and lightly charred, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a serving platter, squeeze half a lemon over them and garnish with the remaining lemon half cut into 4 wedges. Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled.

GRILLED ARTICHOKE WITH SMOKED TOMATO VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Place artichokes, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and fill pot with enough cold water to cover the artichokes in a large pot. Boil for 30 to 35 minutes or until tender. Remove artichokes from pot and let cool.
• Preheat grill. When artichokes have cooled, slice in 1/2 lengthwise and remove the choke. Brush each half with the remaining oil, season with salt and pepper and grill cut-side down for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn over and grill an additional minute.
• Place tomatoes, salt and pepper, vinegar, garlic and basil and olive oil in a blender and blend until smooth.

RAW TOMATO COMPOTE

Steps:

• Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and toss. Season to taste with salt and pepper. The compote will keep, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for 2 days.

GRILLED ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat.
• Break off the artichokes' small outside leaves. Cut off the top with a knife and trim the sharp points of the leaves with scissors, rubbing with cut lemon as you go to avoid discoloration. Squeeze the lemon halves into a bowl of cold water, soak the artichokes for 10 minutes, then wash with cold water to remove sand.
• Place artichokes in a large steamer insert over simmering water and steam until heart is tender, about 25 to 35 minutes depending upon size. Allow to cool. Cut in half lengthwise and remove choke with a spoon.
• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Stir in the white wine and lemon juice, keep warm.
• Grill the artichokes, basting with the butter mixture, until until golden on the surface and heated through, about 5 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with the Spicy Smoked Tomato Mayonnaise.
• Special equipment: smoker/dehydrator
• Chef's Note: If you do not have access to a smoker/dehydrator, you can substitute 4 sun-dried tomatoes and 2 teaspoons ancho or pasilla powder for the tomatoes and pasillas, eliminating the tomatoes and pasilla peppers from the recipe.
• Dry the tomatoes and pasilla peppers in an oak smoker/dehydrator overnight.
• Preheat an outdoor grill, preferably wood fired with oak wood, for indirect heat cooking.
• Wrap garlic and onions loosely in 2 separate foil packets and roast/grill over indirect heat until they are soft, being careful not to burn them. The garlic should take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours; the onions should take about 30 to 45 minutes.
• In a food processor, puree the smoked pasilla peppers and tomatoes with the garlic and onions. Add the cayenne, chili powder, paprika and salt. Mix in the mayonnaise. Leftover mayonnaise will keep, refrigerated, for up to 3 or 4 days.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 to 1 1/2 hours
• Inactive Prep Time: 8 hours

GRILLED ARTICHOKE WITH SMOKED TOMATO VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a large pot,place artichokes, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil and salt. Fill pot with enough cold water to cover. Boil for 30-35 minutes or until tender. Remove artichokes from pot and let cool.
• Preheat the grill. Once artichokes have cooled, slice in half lengthwise and remove the choke. Brush each half with the remaining oil, season with salt and pepper and grill cut-side down for 1-2 minutes. Turn over and grill one more minute.
• Vinaigrette:.
• Place tomatoes, salt, pepper, vinegar, garlic, basil and olive oil in a blender and pulse until smooth.