Fresh, canned or frozen, artichokes are one of my favorite vegetables. A big fresh artichoke, steamed and served with lemon juice, stands on its own as a starter course. Far more often, I'll just open a jar of marinated artichokes and use them to dress up a tossed salad. Here are some of my favorite recipes that feature artichokes.
Artichoke-Wild Rice Salad
1 16-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups cooked wild rice
2 6-ounce jars of marinated artichoke hearts, drained
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 small sweet onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped cilantro or flat parsley
1 teaspoon chile powder
pinch cayenne, to taste
1/4 rice vinegar
1/2 cup yogurt
Combine all ingredients and chill.
4-6 servings
Spinach-Artichoke Dip or Dressing
1 10-ounce bag baby spinach leaves
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can white beans, drained
1 bunch green onions, sliced (white part)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
pinch cayenne, to taste
juice of one lemon
2 6-ounce jars marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped fine
Place all ingredients except the artichokes in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Put the puree in a serving bowl and stir in the chopped artichoke hearts. Serve it with your favorite vegetable dippers or use it to dress a tossed salad.
Yield: About 3 cups
Artichoke-Chick Pea Soup
2 onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups bouillon
1 teaspoon ground coriander
pinch cayenne, or to taste
2 cups tomato sauce
2 16-ounce cans artichoke hearts
1 16-ounce can chick peas
1/2 cup chopped flat parsley
Freshly ground black pepper
Lemon wedges
Bring the onions, garlic, bouillon, spices and tomato sauce to a boil in a large pot. Reduce the heat and simmer 20 minutes or until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the artichokes, chick peas and parsley and simmer 2-3 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and ground pepper to taste.
4-6 servings
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Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports -- and the FREE Good Food Book -- at http://www.DrMirkin.com