Lunch: Braised Artichoke Hearts with Pancetta

Accented with smoky cured pancetta, thyme and white beans, our Braised Artichoke Hearts with Pancetta is suitable as a first course or as an accompaniment to marinated, grilled beef or lamb.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Lemon

Health benefits of Braised Artichoke Hearts with Pancetta

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form.

Ingredients

1 tbsp. lemon juice or white vinegar
6 medium artichokes
2 tsp. olive oil
4 slice pancetta or smoked ham
1 small onion
1/2 lb. all-purpose potatoes
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. chicken broth
1 c. canned white kidney beans
1/4 c. Parsley
1 tbsp. unsalted butter

Instructions

Fill large bowl with cold water and add lemon juice.
With paring knife, cut each artichoke down to the heart, scoop out chock, and peel stem. Cut each artichoke heart lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices and immediately put slices in water with lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium low heat. Add pancetta and cook, stirring, 3 minutes, or until lightly crisped. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes, or until tender.
With slotted spoon, transfer artichokes from bowl to skillet. Add potatoes, thyme and salt and stir to coat. Cover and cook 5 minutes, or until potatoes are well coated.
Add broth and 1/2 cup water to skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook about 20 minutes, or until artichokes can be pierced easily with tip of knife and potatoes are cooked through. Add beans and stir to heat through.
Remove from heat and stir in parsley and butter, swirling until butter melts. Serve.
Braised Artichoke Hearts and Limas: A traditional Italian component of the artichoke dish would be lima beans, for those who don't like lima beans and want to go for the authentic dish: Omit the white beans and add 1 cup of frozen baby lima beans in step 4 when you add the potatoes.