Preparation:
This is an absolutely no-fuss way to prepare artichokes, yet produces a delicious result. The original Italian recipe on which this is based uses three times the amount of oil specified below, but the lower-fat version works fine.
Have ready a basin of acidulated water. Take 4 large artichokes or 8 small ones and prepare them as described above, cutting them into quarters and dropping them into the basin as they are done. Pack the artichoke quarters in a single layer into a open pan. Pour over them enough boiling water to barely cover the artichokes, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and some roughly crushed peppercorns. Boil hard until the water has evaporated, then add the juice of a lemon and stir.
Put the artichokes into a serving dish and scatter with chopped parsley. They can be served hot or cold.
Makes 4 servings. |