Ingredients:
- 2 Large Globe Artichokes (approx. 350g each)
- 1 Large Lemon, halved
- 2 cloves Garlic, smashed
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 tsp (6g) Sea salt
- 4 tbsp (56g) Unsalted butter
- 1 tsp (5ml) Fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) Smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (115g) High-quality mayonnaise
- 1 clove Garlic, grated
- Zest of half a lemon
Instructions:
- Trim the stem. Cut off the bottom inch of the stem using a serrated knife. This allows the flavored water to enter the core.
- Slice the crown. Remove the top 1.5 inches of the artichoke to reveal the internal layers until you see the purple tinged inner leaves.
- Snip the thorns. Use shears to cut the sharp tips off every remaining outer leaf. This prevents painful pokes while eating.
- Rub with lemon. Immediately rub all cut surfaces with a lemon half until the white flesh is fully coated.
- Prepare the bath. Fill the pot with water, add the sea salt, smashed garlic, bay leaf, and the used lemon halves.
- Simmer the globes. Place the artichokes in the water and weigh them down with a plate until a knife easily pierces the base (about 30-40 minutes).
- Drain thoroughly. Remove with tongs and rest them upside down on a rack. Trapped water will dilute your dipping sauce later.
- Melt the butter. In a small pan, combine the butter, smoked paprika, and 1 tsp (5ml) fresh lemon juice until the butter is foaming and fragrant.
- Whisk the aioli. Mix the mayonnaise, grated garlic, and lemon zest in a bowl until the texture is silky and pale.
- Serve immediately. Arrange the warm globes with the butter and aioli for dipping.