Globe artichokes with Dijon Mustard dressing
Artichokes are often seen as hard work to prepare, but in this traditional style recipe, the prep work is done as you eat them, which makes them a great dish to share and take time over with friends. The dressing is strong and punchy, so if you would prefer it to be milder, reduce the amount of mustard, or swap some of the Olive Oil for sunflower oil. Anything that is left works brilliantly in a sandwich, on salad, or with chips.
Ingredients
80ml Early Harvest Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2tbsp white wine vinegar
½tbsp salt
2 bay leaves
100ml white wine
1tsp coriander seeds
1tsp black peppercorns
1tsp fennel seeds
4 globe artichokes
2tbsp Dijon Mustard
1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed to a paste
1½ tsp Merlot Vinegar, or good quality white wine vinegar
50ml sunflower oil
1tsp mayonnaise (if necessary)
Instructions
- In a stainless-steel pan that will fit the artichokes, combine 2tbsp Olive Oil with the vinegar, salt, bay leaves, white wine and spices with 2 litres of water, cover and place on a high heat. Bring to the boil then turn down to a gentle simmer to infuse whilst you prep the artichokes.
- Using a sharp, serrated edge knife, cut the stalk off the artichokes then remove the point from the top, around 2–3cm. Place in the pan and add more water if needed to cover, then bring up to simmer, cover and cook gently for 20 minutes.
- Remove an artichoke with a slotted spoon and test to see if it is cooked. If you can remove one of the leave about 1cm from the edge with just a little resistance, then they are done. Remove the rest from the liquid and place upside down on a rack or colander so that they can drain until lukewarm.
- Whilst the artichokes are cooking, make the dressing by combining the Dijon mustard, garlic, vinegar and a splash of water. Begin adding the remaining Olive Oil and sunflower oil, a little at a time, whisking constantly. You could also make this in a small food processor. Keep adding the Olive Oil and whisking until you get a thick emulsion. If the mixture splits, place 1tsp of pre-made mayonnaise in a bowl and slowly whisk in the mustard mixture. The mayonnaise helps by binding everything together.
- Serve each artichoke warm with a small pot of the dressing on the side, so that the leaves can be dipped into it. Once all the leaves have been used, scoop out the thistle from the centre and eat the heart too.
Included in this Recipe
Merlot Vinegar
Single varietal premium red wine vinegar, which is blended with grape juice for a bolder flavour
Early Harvest Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Single varietal, stone crushed, cold extracted, Extra Virgin Olive Oil made from the first Arbequina olives of the season.