December 15, 2010

Warm Baby Artichokes with Tarragon and Pine Nuts

Foodie confession: Prior to last evening, I had never eaten an artichoke. I suppose one may argue that I still haven't, as these are baby artichokes, but they were too cute to pass up and this dish sounded good as I perused Whole Foods, so I went with it.



I'm so glad I did because this was such a perfect little meal. The artichokes were tender and perfectly acidic from crisp white wine and fresh lemon and had a beautiful anise note from freshly torn tarragon. Have you ever smelled fresh tarragon? If not, I totally recommend rushing out and buying some, if for nothing else than to let it perfume your kitchen.





With a fresh bunch of tiny radishes, a crusty roll and leftover wine, this meal sent me in food bliss. I love me some big, heavy meals, but sometimes there is nothing lovelier than a light, small dinner where you can bite into crisp radishes and scoop up delicate artichokes with pieces of bread.


Warm baby artichokes with tarragon and pine nuts
Ingredients

- 12 baby artichokes
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1T olive oil + extra for drizzling
- 1T fresh tarragon
- 2T pine nuts, toasted
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- S&P, to taste

Instructions
- Prepare artichokes: peel away outer leaves until you reach the pale green center. Cut the tips of the artichoke as well as the stem and then halve it. Place each artichoke in cold acidulous water (water with lemon juice) until ready to cook.
- Saute shallot and garlic in olive oil on medium high until translucent. Add white wine and lemon juice/zest. Bring to a boil, then simmer. Add artichokes and tarragon, cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until artichokes are tender.
- To plate, top with a drizzle of olive oil, a bit more tarragon and toasted pine nuts. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serves 2-4


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7 comments:

  1. Your food always looks so gorgeous!!!! Bet it's delicious as well!!!! I've never eaten artichokes, but now I want to try some!

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  2. Certainly looks like a scrumptious dish. Glad you finally got around to trying this wonderful vegetable.

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  3. @fitchocoholic

    Thank you! I totally recommend the 'chokes.

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  4. @Andrew

    I felt like I had to after you were so shocked that I hadn't.

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  5. Nice site, nice and easy on the eyes and great content too.

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  6. I never really liked artichokes until I became an adult. They look delicious though :) Beautiful food photos.

    /Haleigh
    www.treschicalamode.com

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  7. My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!

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