Grilled Infant Artichokes Served with Lemon-Saffron Sauce
Recipe for Tangy Artichokes with Saffron and Lemon-Inspired Sauce
Swap out the mainstream spuds and delve into this delightful recipe for Artichoke Magic with Saffron-Kissed Lemon-Inspired Sauce. This dish will put a zesty twist on your dinner table, especially if Meyer lemons are hard to come by. Here's how to savor this Mediterranean meets California feast!
Serves: 10-12 hearty munchers
Ingredients:
- 1 large Meyer lemon (or substitute regular lemon and add a drop of honey for a hint of sweetness)
- 2 pounds baby artichokes (around 25)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- A pinch of saffron threads
- 1/4 cup homemade mayonnaise (or opt for store-bought)
- 1 clove of garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Boil a large pot of water.
- Halve the lemon and squeeze 1 tablespoon juice into a bowl; set the juice aside. Fill a large bowl with water and add the remaining lemon juice. Trim, rinse, and slice the artichokes, then drop them into the lemon-water bath to prevent browning.
- Drain the artichokes, add them to the boiling water, and cook until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well and coat with olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and pepper. Spread the artichokes on the prepared baking sheet and roast until browned on the bottom, 10-15 minutes.
- Make the lemony saffron mayonnaise. Soak the saffron threads in 1 tablespoon hot water and mix it with the reserved lemon juice, mayonnaise, garlic (if using), and salt.
- Once the artichokes are roasted, arrange them on a warmed serving platter with the mayonnaise mixture on the side for dipping. Enjoy this dish immediately!
Meyer Lemon Substitution:If Meyer lemons are difficult to find, use a combination of regular lemons and oranges, as both their tart and sweet notes contribute to a flavor similar to Meyer lemons. Here's the ratio for such a substitution:- Two parts lemon juice to one part orange juice can help replicate the taste of Meyer lemons.
Bonus Tip:For a dessert featuring the bright citrus notes of regular lemons, whip up a Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf[3]!
Prepare a variation of the Artichoke Magic with Saffron-Kissed Lemon-Inspired Sauce using this Meyer lemon substitute: regular lemons combined with oranges in a ratio of two parts lemon juice to one part orange juice. For a delicious dessert highlighting the bright citrus notes of regular lemons, consider making a Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf. When crafting the lemony saffron mayonnaise, add a drop of honey for a hint of sweetness if Meyer lemons aren't available.
