Artichoke flowers with ham
Artichoke hearts, cut into flower shapes, are an elegant and delicious way to enjoy this prized ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. Carefully opening them before cooking not only creates a beautiful presentation but also results in a crispier texture for each leaf.
Ingredients · Servings 4
- 4 artichokes
- 200g of ham in very small cubes
- Shall
- 20 g of olive oil
- 1/2 lemon
Method · 20 min
- To get delicious grilled artichokes, we first need to cook this vegetable. We need to prepare the artichokes. To do this, we'll remove all the tough outer leaves.
- When we've almost reached the heart of the artichoke, we'll see that some leaves are still sticking out. We'll cut them off with a knife. We fill a saucepan with water and salt, and put the artichokes in to boil with a splash of lemon juice.
- We'll pierce the artichokes to check when they're tender. Once they're ready, we'll take them out of the water.
- Carefully open the artichokes so they resemble flowers. Heat a frying pan with a little salt. When hot, place the artichokes in the pan and grill them on both sides.
- Place the artichokes on a plate. Add the diced ham to the pan and fry it without oil for 30 seconds, stirring occasionally. Place the ham pieces on top of the artichokes and serve.
When grilled, artichokes develop an intense, slightly toasted flavor that enhances their natural character. This simple method allows them to retain their essence while acquiring an irresistible golden hue, making them a light yet flavorful dish.
The finishing touch comes from the pieces of ham, which add a salty and flavorful contrast. Their combination with the mildness of the artichoke creates a perfect balance, ideal both as a starter and as a side dish for any special meal.
