Boiled Artichokes – a Tunisian After Party

Let’s do this!

Start by cutting the stem of the artichoke just a little and close to the bottom.

Wash the artichokes super well.

Arrange the artichokes in a large pot and squeeze a whole lemon on top of them. Drop the lemon halves into the pot as well.

Generously fill the pot with cold water. The artichokes like to float a bit, but try to have the water cover them or at least most of them…

Add one bay leaf.

Add the salt into the pot.

O.K. let’s bring this party to a boil. Allow the artichokes to boil for a couple of minutes and then lower the heat to low medium. Cover the pot and cook for 45 minutes to an hour until the center of the artichokes become soft.

That’s all!

Serve the artichokes warm or at room temperature along with a small pile of salt for dipping…

Let’s make Aioli:

Mince fresh garlic and preserved lemons (a slice or two) and add them to the mayonnaise.

Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly ground black pepper.

Whisk well to combine. The aioli is ready!

Zest a lemon over the artichokes and serve along with the super flavorful aioli.

Eating Boiled Artichokes 101

I like eating the artichoke just like we used to at my Savta’s house…a little pile of salt on the side of my plate and taking my time, pulling one leaf at a time, eating just the edge of each leaf.

see the fuzzy part…

Once I get to the center, I use my fingers to gently pull the fuzzy part off from the bottom of the artichoke. The fuzzy part is not edible… once the bottom of the artichoke is clean, I sprinkle with a little salt and eat away! It is the BEST part.

Take a look at your plate after you are done eating, isn’t it full? As kids we loved telling this riddle over and over again: “Name the dish- the more you eat, the more you will have on your plate” Do you know the answer…

Boiled Artichokes

Wash the Artichokes well.

Place Artichokes in a large pot.

Add freshly squeezed Lemon Juice and Lemon halves in the pot.

Add cold Water generously and sprinkle with Salt.

Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes.

Cook covered on low-medium heat for 45 minutes to an hour.

Serve warm or at room temperature along with Salt or Aioli.