Crispy Artichoke Flowers with Salsa Verde
- 2 lemons, halved
- 6 (4-oz) small (not baby) artichokes
- 4 cups olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped shallot
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- Fill a large bowl with 6 cups cold water and squeeze juice from 1 lemon into bowl.
- Cut stems of artichokes flush with base.
- Bend back outer leaves of 1 artichoke until they snap off close to base, then discard several more layers of leaves in same manner until exposed leaves are pale green at top and yellow at base.
- Cut off pale-green top of artichoke.
- Carefully spread leaves and scrape out purple leaves and hairy choke with a melon baller or spoon.
- Trim fibrous parts from base and rub artichoke all over with a lemon half.
- Place in bowl of lemon water, then repeat trimming process with remaining artichokes.
- Drain artichokes well, stem ends up.
- Heat oil in a deep 2-quart saucepan over moderate heat until a deep-fat thermometer registers about 200F, then submerge artichokes with tongs, stem ends down, in oil.
- Simmer until artichokes are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Transfer to paper towels to drain.
- Reheat oil over moderate heat until deep-fat thermometer registers 365F.
- Spear 1 artichoke, through center of stem end, with a long kitchen fork and immerse (still on fork) into oil.
- Fry until leaves are open, browned, and crisp, 30 to 40 seconds.
- Drain well, stem end up, on paper towels and repeat frying process with remaining artichokes.
- Make sure oil returns to 365F for each artichoke.
- Whisk together lemon juice, anchovy paste, and oil until blended.
- Stir in shallot, capers, and parsley and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve artichokes hot, warm, or at room temperature with sauce.
lemons, artichokes, olive oil, lemon juice, anchovy paste, extravirgin olive oil, shallot, capers, flatleaf
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/crispy-artichoke-flowers-with-salsa-verde-103361 (may not work)