The Bent Fork...easy for Sunday! Artichokes ~ Roman Style

The Bent Fork...easy for Sunday!

Artichokes ~ Roman Style

Serves 6 6 long-stemmed artichokes 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 lemon, thinly sliced and seeds removed 4 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons mint, leaves only, roughly chopped, 1 tablespoon reserved 1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 1 cup dry white wine 1 cup water Coarse sea salt Watercress for garnish With a potato peeler or knife, peel dark, bitter outer skin off stems and remove bottom 1” of stem. Remove coarse outer leaves down to softer, more yellow leaves. Remove choke and slice 1” off top of artichoke. Hold in acidulated water or squeeze fresh lemon juice all over the artichokes. In a small bowl, combine the parsley, mint, garlic, salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil. In the cavity of the artichoke from which the choke was removed, place 1 teaspoon of the herb mixture and rub a little over the top. Repeat this procedure with the remaining chokes. Arrange all chokes end side up in a deep pan that keeps them close together so they don’t fall over. Scatter the lemon slices around them, pushing them down around the artichokes. Sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the top. Add the oil, wine, and water and a pinch of salt. Cover and simmer over medium low heat on the stovetop for about 30-40 minutes or until just tender. Refrigerate until ready to use and then bring to room temperature. Remove lemon slices and continue to cook juices until reduced by half. Serve as a sauce, drizzled over artichokes. When ready to serve, bring artichokes to room temperature. Slice in half and garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt, a drizzle of the cooking sauce, a watercress sprig, and a little reserved chopped mint. ~From Savoring Time in the Kitchen