Ear-Shaped Pasta with Baby Artichokes, White Wine, Garlic, Parsley, and Bread Crumbs
- 1 lemon
- 24 baby artichokes, 1 1/2 to 2 ounces each
- 8 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Pinch of hot pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup minced fresh Italian flat leaf parsley
- 1 pound orecchiette
- 1/4 cup toasted bread crumbs (see Notes), plus more for passing at the table
- Fill a large bowl with water and add the juice of the lemon.
- To trim the artichokes, peel back the outer leaves until they break off at the base.
- Keep removing leaves until you reach the pale green heart.
- Cut across the top of the heart to remove the pointed leaf tips.
- If the stem is still attached, cut it down to 1/2 inch, then trim the stem and base to remove any dark green or brown parts.
- Cut each heart into 6 or 8 wedges, then immediately place in the lemon water to prevent browning.
- Heat 6 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat.
- Drain the artichokes and add them to the skillet.
- Season with salt to taste and the hot pepper flakes.
- Add the wine and 1/4 cup water.
- Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover, adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook until the artichokes are very tender and beginning to break apart, 30 to 35 minutes.
- Uncover occasionally, stir, and add more water if the mixture threatens to cook dry.
- While the artichokes are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- When the artichokes are tender, stir in the garlic and parsley.
- Cook for a couple of minutes to release their flavor.
- Keep the artichokes warm over low heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the warm pot over low heat.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and toss well, then add the artichokes.
- Toss again, divide the pasta among warm bowls, and sprinkle each portion with some of the bread crumbs.
- Pass the additional bread crumbs at the table.
lemon, baby artichokes, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, white wine, garlic, fresh italian, orecchiette, bread crumbs
Taken from www.cookstr.com/recipes/ear-shaped-pasta-with-baby-artichokes (may not work)