Here's a recipe for Baked Artichokes with Herbs and Garlic Sauce—a flavorful and elegant dish that's perfect as an appetizer or a side.
Ingredients:
For the artichokes:
- 4 medium artichokes
- 1 lemon, halved (for preventing browning)
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the herb and garlic sauce:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the artichokes:
- Fill a large bowl with water and squeeze in the juice of one half of the lemon to prevent the artichokes from browning.
- Trim the artichokes: cut off the top 1/3 of each artichoke and trim the stem to about 1 inch. Remove any tough outer leaves.
- Using kitchen scissors, trim the sharp tips off the remaining leaves.
- Place the artichokes in the lemon water to prevent browning while you prepare the others.
2. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Prepare the herb and garlic sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano or thyme, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake the artichokes:
- Drain the artichokes and pat them dry.
- Gently spread the leaves of each artichoke apart to allow the sauce to penetrate.
- Place the artichokes in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon some of the herb and garlic sauce into the center of each artichoke and between the leaves.
- Cover the baking dish with foil.
5. Bake:
- Bake the artichokes for 40-50 minutes, or until the leaves are tender and can be easily pulled off. Check for doneness by pulling a leaf; it should come off with a slight tug.
6. Serve:
- Serve the artichokes warm, drizzled with any remaining herb and garlic sauce from the baking dish.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Artichokes are best enjoyed by pulling off the leaves, scraping the flesh with your teeth, and discarding the inedible parts.
This Baked Artichokes with Herbs and Garlic Sauce is a delicious and elegant dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses or can be enjoyed on its own. Enjoy!
