How to Make Baby Artichokes Elegant And Easy First Course
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb baby artichokes and cook until tender, about 10-20 minutes depending on size. Test with a fork; they should be easily pierced.
- Remove artichokes from boiling water and immediately plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This also helps maintain their vibrant color.
- Once cool enough to handle, discard tough outer leaves. Trim the stem so the artichoke sits upright on a plate.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the top 1/2 inch of each artichoke. Use kitchen shears to decoratively trim a few outer leaves to create a flower-like appearance.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve (at least 30 minutes).
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. (Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of paprika for extra color and zing!)
- To plate: Place a dollop of the mayonnaise mixture on each small serving plate.
- Use a clean comb or similar utensil to create decorative wavy lines through the sauce.
- Place a cooked artichoke on each plate, nestled beside the sauce. Sprinkle generously with fresh dill and serve immediately.
Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor
Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
14 g
Sugar
1g
Fat
1g
Carbs
10g