Roasted Artichoke with Lemon Aioli

Introduction

Artichokes are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. One of the most flavorful and satisfying methods of cooking artichokes is by roasting them. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the artichoke and gives it a slightly crispy texture. Paired with a tangy and creamy lemon aioli, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of roasting artichokes and preparing a delectable lemon aioli to accompany them.

Ingredients

2 large artichokes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 lemon, sliced

Instructions

Preparing the Artichokes

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Trim the stem of each artichoke, leaving about an inch attached. Remove any small leaves from the base.

3. Cut off the top third of each artichoke using a sharp knife. This will remove the thorny tips.

4. Use kitchen shears to trim the remaining thorny tips from the outer leaves of the artichokes.

5. Place the artichokes in a large pot of boiling water and cook for 15 minutes, or until the base is tender when pierced with a fork.

6. Once cooked, remove the artichokes from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes.

Roasting the Artichokes

1. Cut each artichoke in half lengthwise.

2. Use a spoon to scoop out the fuzzy choke from the center of each artichoke half.

3. Place the artichoke halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.

4. Drizzle the olive oil over the artichokes, making sure to coat them evenly.

5. Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the artichokes.

6. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the artichokes and place the lemon slices on top.

7. Roast the artichokes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly browned.

Preparing the Lemon Aioli

1. While the artichokes are roasting, prepare the lemon aioli by combining the following ingredients in a small bowl:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

2. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.

Serving the Dish

1. Once the artichokes are roasted to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

2. Serve the roasted artichokes with the lemon aioli on the side for dipping.

3. To eat the artichokes, simply pull off the leaves one by one and dip the base of each leaf into the lemon aioli. Scrape off the tender flesh with your teeth.

4. Once you reach the heart of the artichoke, remove any remaining fuzzy choke and enjoy the tender and flavorful center.

Roasted artichoke with lemon aioli is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course. The combination of the roasted artichokes’ natural sweetness and the tangy lemon aioli creates a burst of flavors in every bite. So, why not give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with a unique and delicious dish?