Artichoke Salad

17/11/2023

Artichoke salad is a simple yet delicious dish, ideal to enjoy the fresh and slightly bitter taste of artichokes. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

4 fresh artichokes
The juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Parmesan shavings to taste (optional)
Chopped parsley (optional)
Garlic (optional)

Preparation

First, clean the artichokes by removing the toughest outer leaves and cutting off the spiky top. Cut the artichokes in half and remove the “beard,” which is the fibrous inner part.
Slice the cleaned artichokes thinly and place them in a bowl with water and lemon juice to prevent browning.
In a large bowl, prepare an emulsion with extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Drain the artichokes and add them to the emulsion in the salad bowl. Mix well to evenly dress.
If desired, add Parmesan shavings and chopped parsley to enrich the dish.
Let the salad rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve as a starter or a side dish.

For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a pinch of very finely chopped garlic to the oil emulsion, but be careful not to overdo it in order not to overpower the delicate flavor of the artichokes.

Curiosity

The artichoke is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine and is particularly appreciated in Italy, both for its taste and its beneficial properties. It is rich in fibers, antioxidants, and helps to regulate cholesterol levels in the blood.

Enjoy your meal!