In Good Taste Recipe: Artichokes with Lemon Thyme Sauce

231 NW 11th Ave

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 248-2015
Fax: 503-248-2034

In Good Taste
located in the Pearl District, Portland, Oregon.
http://www.ingoodtastestore.com

Artichokes with Lemon Thyme Sauce

by Josie Ross

Artichokes are in peak season from March through May. The delicate flavor goes well with thyme, and the light cream sauce complements the artichokes’ mildness. This is a simple sauté that would be a nice accompaniment to roasted chicken and potatoes, or even with crostini as an elegant first course.

Serves 5 as side or a first course

5 large artichokes

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and pepper

1/3 cup dry white wine

2/4 cup cream

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons fresh thyme

2 teaspoons lemon zest

(Optional)

Lightly toasted crostini

Parmesan cheese, finely grated

Snap off the outer leaves of the artichoke. Cut all but one inch of the stem off, as well as the top third of the artichoke leaves. Use a paring knife to peel away the outer layer of the stem, and then remove the base of the leaves. Cut the artichoke in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scoop out the hairy choke and inner leaves that are thorny.

Cut each half into two wedges then toss them with olive oil and lemon juice. Set the dish aside.

Heat the butter in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add the artichokes to the pan, cut side down. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Turn them over and cook another 3 minutes. Sprinkle the artichokes with salt and pepper, and then add wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up the browned bits off the bottom. When the wine has reduced to about 1 tablespoon, add cream and Dijon mustard- stir thoroughly. Reduce the heat and simmer until the artichokes are tender (about 5 more minutes).

Remove the pan from the heat, sprinkle the thyme and lemon zest over the artichokes. Season to taste with more salt and pepper.

To serve as an appetizer, spoon the artichokes and sauce over lightly toasted crostini, sprinkled with more thyme and parmesan cheese, if desired.

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