Crispy Artichoke Flowers With Salsa Verde Recipes

CRISPY ARTICHOKE FLOWERS WITH SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• Trim and fry artichokes:
• Fill a large bowl with 6 cups cold water and squeeze juice from 1 lemon into bowl.
• Cut stems of artichokes flush with base. Bend back outer leaves of 1 artichoke until they snap off close to base, then discard several more layers of leaves in same manner until exposed leaves are pale green at top and yellow at base. Cut off pale-green top of artichoke. Carefully spread leaves and scrape out purple leaves and hairy choke with a melon baller or spoon. Trim fibrous parts from base and rub artichoke all over with a lemon half. Place in bowl of lemon water, then repeat trimming process with remaining artichokes.
• Drain artichokes well, stem ends up. Heat oil in a deep 2-quart saucepan over moderate heat until a deep-fat thermometer registers about 200°F, then submerge artichokes with tongs, stem ends down, in oil. Simmer until artichokes are tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
• Reheat oil over moderate heat until deep-fat thermometer registers 365°F. Spear 1 artichoke, through center of stem end, with a long kitchen fork and immerse (still on fork) into oil. Fry until leaves are open, browned, and crisp, 30 to 40 seconds. Drain well, stem end up, on paper towels and repeat frying process with remaining artichokes. Make sure oil returns to 365°F for each artichoke.
• Make salsa verde:
• Whisk together lemon juice, anchovy paste, and oil until blended. Stir in shallot, capers, and parsley and season with salt and pepper.
• Serve artichokes hot, warm, or at room temperature with sauce.

GRILLED BABY ARTICHOKES WITH MINT SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium. Fill a large bowl with cold water and squeeze in the halved lemon; reserve the halves. Remove the outer dark green leaves from the artichokes until only light green and yellow leaves remain. Cut off the top 1/2 inch of the artichokes. Using a paring knife, trim the stem and lightly peel around the bottom of the base where it meets the stem. Cut the artichokes in half, rub with the lemon halves and add to the lemon water.
• Make the salsa verde: Combine the mint, parsley, chile pepper, capers, anchovies, garlic and mustard in a medium bowl. Stir in the lemon juice and 6 tablespoons olive oil to make a thick, chunky sauce; season with salt. Set aside at room temperature.
• Drain the artichokes and pat dry. Toss the artichokes in a large bowl with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt. Grill the artichokes, turning occasionally, until tender and charred in spots, 6 to 10 minutes, depending on their size. Toss with the salsa verde while still warm.

CRISPY ARTICHOKE HEARTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
• In a food processor, combine the crackers, basil, cheese, parsley and garlic salt and process to fine crumbs (the texture of breadcrumbs). Roll the artichoke hearts in the cracker crumb mixture and place on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake until the cracker crumbs are golden brown, about 30 minutes. Arrange the artichokes on a serving platter with toothpicks. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

STEAMED ARTICHOKES WITH SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• Heat small skillet over medium heat. Add fennel seeds and toast until aromatic and beginning to darken, about 2 minutes. Transfer seeds to processor. Add parsley, capers, shallot, garlic, tarragon, anchovy, and crushed red pepper to processor. Puree until coarse paste forms, scraping down sides occasionally. Transfer to medium bowl. Whisk in oil, cream, and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD Salsa verde can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
• Lay 1 artichoke on its side and cut off top third; cut off stem at base of artichoke. Using scissors, cut top 1/2 inch off each remaining leaf. Rub all cut surfaces with lemon, squeezing slightly to release juice. Repeat with remaining artichokes.
• Place rack on bottom of large pot. Add enough water just to touch rack. Bring to boil. Place artichokes on rack in pot. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and steam artichokes until tender, adding more water if necessary, about 30 minutes.
• Transfer 1 artichoke to each of 4 plates. Cool 10 minutes. Divide salsa verde among 4 small bowls and serve alongside artichokes.