If you like, snip the prickly points of the leaves with scissors before you cook the artichokes. The tender leaves and hearts are delicious dipped in AĆÆoli (page 305).
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Cut each artichoke lengthwise into quarters through the stem. Using a spoon, remove the fuzzy choke from the heart of each quarter, and immediately squeeze the juice from one of the lemon halves over all artichokes to prevent them from discoloring.
Step 2
Place all the ingredients, including the remaining lemon half, in a large saucepan; fill with enough cold water to cover the artichokes. Cover the pan, and bring the water to a simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook just until the artichoke hearts can be pierced with a fork but are not too soft, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and let the artichokes sit in the cooking liquid until ready to serve, up to 10 minutes. Transfer carefully to serving plates with a slotted spoon, allowing excess liquid to drain off.
