Artichokes With Saffron And Almonds Recipes

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.

SAFFRON ALMONDS

Steps:

• Heat oil and saffron in a small skillet over medium. When oil shimmers, add almonds and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; season with salt. Let cool completely. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

ARTICHOKES WITH SAFFRON AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• Place figs in a bowl and cover with the boiling water. Allow the figs to plump for 5 minutes, then remove. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads into the remaining liquid, and allow to steep for 5 minutes.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add artichokes, and toss until coated with oil. Pour in saffron water and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the artichokes are tender, about 8 minutes.
• Uncover the artichokes and increase heat to medium-high. Add the figs, almonds, vinegar, and paprika. Cook and stir until all of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from the heat, recover, and allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving.

ARTICHOKES WITH GARLIC SAFFRON SAUCE

Steps:

• Cut off the stems of the artichokes with a stainless-steel knife, break off the tough outer leaves, and cut off the top fourth of each artichoke. Snip off the tips of the remaining artichoke leaves with scissors and rub the cut edges with the lemon half. Arrange the artichokes upright in a microwave-safe dish, add 1 inch water and the garlic, and cover the dish tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Microwave the artichokes at high power (100%) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bases are tender.
• While the artichokes are cooking, in a blender blend together 3 tablespoons warm water, the vinegar, the orégano, the saffron, the sugar, and the oil. Transfer the cooked artichokes to 2 plates. Peel the garlic, in the blender purée it with the vinegar mixture until the mixture is smooth, and stir in the parsley and salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and serve it with the artichokes.