Imagine a culinary journey through the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence, where simple ingredients transform into extraordinary dishes. The "Artichauts Chez Demery" is not just a recipe; it's a gastronomic experience that captures the essence of French countryside cooking. These tender artichokes, delicately prepared and infused with aromatic herbs, promise to elevate your dining table from ordinary to extraordinary, bringing a touch of Mediterranean magic to your home.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 artichokes
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley)
Instructions
- Prepare the artichokes by first washing them thoroughly under cold running water. Trim the stem, leaving about 1 inch attached, and remove any tough outer leaves.
- Cut off the top third of each artichoke with a sharp knife, and use kitchen scissors to snip off the sharp leaf tips around the exterior.
- Immediately rub all cut surfaces with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning. This will help preserve the artichokes' delicate color and prevent oxidation.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a gentle boil. Add the prepared artichokes and the remaining lemon juice to the water.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook the artichokes for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the base can be easily pierced with a knife.
- While artichokes are cooking, prepare the garlic and herb infused olive oil. In a small pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned.
- Add chopped fresh thyme and parsley to the olive oil, allowing the herbs to release their aromatics.
- Once artichokes are tender, drain them carefully and arrange on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the warm herb-infused olive oil over the artichokes, ensuring even coverage.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately while warm, providing extra olive oil and herbs on the side for additional garnishing.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm artichokes with tight, compact leaves for the best texture and flavor.
- Use a sharp knife and kitchen scissors for precise trimming to maintain the artichoke's elegant shape.
- Work quickly and apply lemon juice immediately after cutting to prevent discoloration.
- Don't rush the cooking process - gentle simmering ensures tender, perfectly cooked artichokes.
- The herb-infused olive oil is key to enhancing flavor, so use high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs.
- Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the optimal taste and texture.
- Consider offering individual small bowls of additional herb oil for dipping, allowing guests to customize their experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
