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Artichokes with Bagna Cauda

This classic recipe for artichokes with bagna cauda offers a sophisticated start to any meal. The dish centres on whole, tender artichokes served alongside a traditional Piedmontese dipping sauce. This savoury emulsion, made from slowly simmered garlic, buttery anchovies, and high-quality olive oil, provides a deep, umami-rich flavour that perfectly complements the earthy sweetness of the softened artichoke leaves. It is a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal produce with a rustic, Mediterranean touch.

As a high-protein vegetable dish, it is both satisfying and nutritious, making it an excellent choice for a dinner party or a leisurely weekend lunch. Preparation involves gently poaching the garlic to remove its harshness, resulting in a mellow, creamy sauce. Serve these warm as a communal appetiser, encouraging guests to peel back the leaves and dip them into the fragrant oil for a truly interactive dining experience.

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Ingredients for Artichokes with Bagna Cauda

  • 3 heads of garlic, cloves separated, papery skin removed (but cloves left unpeeled)

  • 45ml butter

  • 30g tin anchovy fillets, drained, anchovies chopped

  • 120ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 6 large artichokes, stems trimmed, top 3/4 inch removed, tips of remaining leaves trimmed

Place unpeeled garlic cloves in small saucepan. Add enough water to cover garlic cloves by 1 inch. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until garlic is tender, about 25 minutes. Drain; transfer to plate. Chill garlic cloves until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes. Squeeze garlic cloves from peel and place cloves in small bowl. Using fork, mash garlic cloves until smooth.

Melt butter in heavy small saucepan over medium heat. Add anchovies and sauté 1 minute. Add mashed garlic and oil. Simmer over low heat 10 minutes to allow flavours to blend, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 hour ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Rewarm before serving, stirring occasionally (bagna cauda will separate when served).

Add artichokes to large pot of boiling salted water. Cover and cook until just tender when pierced through stem with fork, turning occasionally, 30 to 40 minutes, depending on size of artichokes. Drain.

Place 1 hot artichoke on each of 6 plates. Divide bagna cauda among small bowls or ramekins. Serve artichokes with warm bagna cauda.

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.

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UK recipe editors

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Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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