Artichokes Braised with Garlic and Thyme

Ingredients for Artichokes Braised with Garlic and Thyme

• 6 medium artichokes (230g each)

• 18 fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 8 fresh thyme sprigs

• 1 head of garlic, cloves separated and left unpeeled

• 240ml water

• 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• Accompaniment: crusty bread

• a 6- to 8-qt heavy pot wide enough to hold artichokes in a single layer (about 11 inches in diameter)

How to make Artichokes Braised with Garlic and Thyme

Working with 1 artichoke at a time, cut off top inch of artichoke and gently pull open centre. Scoop out sharp leaves and fuzzy choke from centre with a melon-ball cutter or a spoon. Trim bottom 1/4 inch of stem (if present), keeping stem attached, and peel stem. Put artichoke in a large bowl of cold water. Repeat with remaining artichokes.

Remove artichokes from water and push 3 parsley sprigs into centre of each. Heat 60ml olive oil in pot over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then add artichokes, thyme sprigs, garlic, 60ml water, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoons salt. Cover pot and braise artichokes, turning occasionally, until artichokes are browned in spots and bases are tender when pierced with a knife, about 35 minutes.

Transfer artichokes, thyme, and garlic to a platter. Add remaining 180ml water to pot and deglaze by boiling over high heat, stirring and scraping up brown bits, 1 minute. Pour pan juices (they will be dark) into a small bowl and stir in extra-virgin olive oil and remaining 1/2 teaspoons salt. Squeeze pulp from 2 of garlic cloves into juices and mash into sauce with a fork.

Divide artichokes and remaining garlic cloves among 6 plates and drizzle with sauce. Garlic cloves can be peeled and spread on crusty bread.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.