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Grilled Artichokes with Caper Aioli
With this recipe, not a bit of the artichoke is wasted. The smokey taste of the grill suits the rich, dense flavor of the artichokes, and the creamy dipping sauce, similar to a New Orleans-style rémoulade, gets an extra flavor kick from capers or sauce, Calabrian chilies, garlic, and lemon juice.
Ingredients:
2 Egg Yolks
1 Clove Garlic (minced)
2 Teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice
2¼ Cup Light Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Oil-Packed Calabrian Chilies (chopped, roasted; or 2 or 3 Red Chilies)
1 Teaspoon Capers (drained)
2 Tablespoon Kosher Salt (plus 3 tsp)
1 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 Lemon, Halved (plus 3 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice)
3 Large Artichokes (½ inch of woody stem removed, but the rest remaining)
6 Tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Directions:
- 1. Prepare a fire in a charcoal grill or preheat a gas grill.
- 2. To make the aioli, combine the egg yolks, garlic, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Process at medium-high speed to blend, then very slowly add the oil in a thin stream through the pouring tube while the machine is running. When the mixture has thickened, turn off the machine, add the chilies, capers, salt, and pepper, and pulse until well mixed. If the aioli is too thick, add a little water. Refrigerate while the artichokes are cooking.
- 3. Fill a stockpot halfway with water and add the 2 tablespoons salt and the lemon halves. Bring to a boil. Add the artichokes, cover, and cook for 35 minutes. When ready, a large leaf should come off easily when gently pulled. Drain and let cool.
- 4. Cut the artichokes in half lengthwise and scoop out the center choke (the fuzzy section and the purple leaves). Rub 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice on each side of the halved artichokes. Sprinkle all with the 2 teaspoons salt and the pepper. Place the artichokes on the grill, cut side down, and grill for 5 to 6 minutes. Flip and grill for 1 minute longer.
- 5. To serve, place the artichokes on individual plates. Spoon the aioli into small ramekins and give an individual serving to each guest, or set one big bowl of aioli on the table and let everyone dip in.
