Grilled Bread and Artichokes with Dipping Oil

Artichokes can be a little intimidating, but they are really simple to work with once you get your head around the basics. After steaming the artichokes, I like to finish them on the grill or sear at high heat to add some color and texture.

Serves 8

Artichokes

• 4 artichokes
• Half a lemon, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Coarse salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan

Remove the tough leaves near the stem of the artichoke. Use kitchen shears to cut off the tip of each leaf (about ½ inch), removing the tiny needle. Trim the base of each stem and any dark spots with a sharp knife. Fill a large stockpot three-quarters full of salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat and add artichokes along with the lemon wedges. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the bottom leaves pull off easily and the artichokes feel tender to the touch. Drain the artichokes and set them aside to cool slightly.

Cut each one in half and scoop out the fibrous center, otherwise known as the choke. The rest of the stem and the base of each leaf are edible and delicious. Brush each artichoke half with olive oil and grill cut-side down just long enough to get nice char marks. (Alternatively, you can finish the artichokes on the stovetop in a large skillet over high heat.) Arrange the artichokes and bread sticks on a large platter, and finish with coarsely ground pepper, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with the dipping oil.

Balsamic Dipping Oil

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Juice from half a lemon, plus additional to taste

Mix together olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust with additional lemon juice, if desired. Set aside.

Breadsticks

• 1 baguette or any hearty bread (ciabatta works well)

Cut the bread into long “sticks” and lightly brush with olive oil. Place on the grill or under the broiler and turn after 2 minutes. Toast for 1–2 minutes more, or until golden brown. Sprinkle with a bit of coarse salt while the bread is still warm and set aside until the artichokes are ready to serve.

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Excerpted from Feed Zone Table: Family-Style Meals to Nourish Family and Sport by Biju Thomas and Allen Lim. 

From Yoga Journal