Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-Style Artichokes)

Name: Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-Style Artichokes)
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lemon, sliced in half; 4 artichokes (regular or baby); Salt; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups (1 quart) vegetable or canola oil

Artichoke New Year's Eve Italian Deep-Frying Vegan Vegetarian Lemons Appetizer Side Dish Spring Vegetables Fried Food Medium

Save (91)

Rate

4 to 6 servings Medium

Total: 45 mins

7 Ratings

Ingredients (5)

1 lemon, sliced in half
4 artichokes (regular or baby)
Salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups (1 quart) vegetable or canola oil

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Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-Style Artichokes)

A staple in Rome’s Jewish quarter, these artichokes are quickly fried, turning the leaves crisp and nutty and the hearts tender and earthy—a perfect starter with a glass of crisp Italian wine.

Special equipment: You will need a candy/fat thermometer for this recipe.

by Jill Santopietro

Instructions

1Squeeze the juice from 1 of the lemon halves into a large, nonreactive bowl and fill the bowl halfway with water; set aside. Cut the remaining lemon half into 4 wedges; set aside.
2Working with 1 artichoke at a time, trim the leafy top third with a serrated knife. Pull off the dark outer leaves one by one to reveal the tender yellow inner leaves. Trim the stem bottom.
3Cut around the outside of the artichoke with a paring knife to remove the remaining tough leaf base. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the dark green skin from the stem, smoothing the edges where the leaves were attached.
4Cut the artichoke in half lengthwise through the leaves and stem. Using a small spoon, gently scoop out the tough purple choke and the fuzz found between the leaves and stem; discard.
5Cut each artichoke half in half again lengthwise and place in the reserved lemon water. Repeat with the remaining artichokes.
6Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of generously salted water to a boil. Prepare an ice water bath by filling a large bowl halfway with ice and water; set aside. Remove the artichoke quarters from the lemon water, drop them into the boiling water, and cook until just tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and transfer to the prepared ice water bath until cool. Drain again and pat dry between towels (the drier the better).
7Place the flour in a medium bowl; set aside. Line another medium bowl with a paper towel; set aside.
8Wipe the pot used to boil the artichokes completely dry, pour in the oil, and set over high heat until the oil temperature reaches 350°F on a candy/fat thermometer. Toss half of the artichoke pieces in the bowl of flour, shake off any excess, and, using a slotted spoon, slowly lower them into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Using the slotted spoon, transfer the artichokes to the paper-towel-lined bowl, sprinkle generously with salt, and toss to coat. Repeat with the remaining artichokes. Serve immediately with the reserved lemon wedges.