Artichoke Hearts Wlemon Butter Recipes

STEAMED ARTICHOKES WITH LEMON BUTTER

Steps:

• Pull off any brown or very tough outer leaves from one artichoke. Use a sharp knife to cut off the top 1 inch of artichoke, then rub with the cut side of the lemon. Use kitchen shears or scissors to cut the pointy tops off the remaining outer layer of leaves. Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to peel the stem down to its tender pale-colored core; immediately rub the stem with a lemon half. Use your fingers to separate the center leaves to expose the fuzzy pale choke sitting on top of the heart. Use a grapefruit spoon (or other spoon) to scoop out the choke, and rub a little lemon juice over the exposed flesh. Repeat with the remaining artichokes.
• Fill a medium pot with 2 inches of water, place a steamer basket inside, and bring water to a simmer. Place the artichokes bottoms down on the rack, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer over low heat until you can easily pull off an artichoke leaf, 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. Remove from the steamer basket and transfer to a serving platter.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic and salt. Slowly whisk in butter. To serve, have everyone pull off the leaves and dunk the meaty bottoms into the lemon butter, swirling to mix butter with each dip (the butter will separate as it sits).

LEMONY CHICKEN WITH ARTICHOKE HEARTS

Steps:

• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Combine the flour and salt on a plate, then gently press the chicken breasts into the flour mixture to coat. Shake off the excess flour. Arrange the chicken in the skillet and cook until browned on each side, about 10 minutes. Add the lemon juice, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, vermouth, garlic, bay leaf, and basil. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Stir in the artichoke hearts, and continue simmering until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 15 minutes more.
• Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir the mixture into the chicken, and continue cooking until thickened, about 5 minutes.

ARTICHOKE HEARTS IN LEMON-PARSLEY SAUCE

Steps:

• If using fresh artichokes, trim away the tough outer leaves and remove the choke. Bring a large saucepan three-fourths full of water to a boil. Drain the artichokes, add them to the boiling water along with the lemon half, and parboil for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside. (There is no need to parboil frozen artichoke hearts).
• If using salt-packed capers, soak in water to cover for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry. If using brine-packed capers, rinse under cold running water, then drain and pat dry. Set the artichokes and the capers aside.
• In a saute or deep frying pan, heat 2 Tb of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the onions and saute lightly until softened and golden, 5-6 minutes. Add the garlic, parsley, and artichokes, and cook, tossing every so often and adding a little more oil if the artichokes begin to scorch, until they are fragrant and lightly golden, about 10 minutes. Season the artichokes to taste with salt and pepper.
• Add 2 more Tb of olive oil, 1 cup of stock, the capers, lemon zest (if using), lemon juice, and the basil. Raise the heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered, until the artichokes are tender and the liquid has evaporated to a thickened and flavorful sauce, about 20 minutes. If the liquid is in danger of boiling away before the artichokes are tender, add more stock as needed.
• Transfer to a serving bowl and serve hot or at room temperature.

ARTICHOKES WITH LEMON-GARLIC BUTTER

Steps:

• Place steamer rack in large pot. Fill pot with enough water to come just to bottom of rack. Cut stems and top 1 1/2 inches from artichokes. Cut away first outside row of artichoke leaves. Using scissors, cut off pointed tips of leaves. Arrange artichokes on rack. Bring water to boil over high heat. Cover pot; steam artichokes until knife pierces base easily, adding more water if necessary, about 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and thyme; cook 1 minute. Add lemon juice and butter; whisk until butter melts. Season with salt and pepper. Serve artichokes warm with seasoned butter.