Lunch: Braised Artichokes with Red and White Pearl Onions

Recipe By: Marcia Kiesel Artichokes are notoriously difficult to pair with wine, but don't let that stop you from enjoying them.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Lemon

Health benefits of Braised Artichokes with Red and White Pearl Onions

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

1/2 lemon
6 large artichokes
1/4 c. plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 large garlic cloves
4 Oregano sprigs
3 bay leaves
1 c. plus 2 tablespoons water
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground pepper
3 lb. mixed red and white pearl onions
3 tbsp. unsalted butter
8 small sage leaves
3 tbsp. sherry vinegar

Instructions

Squeeze the lemon half over a bowl of cold water and drop it in. Working with 1 artichoke at a time, snap off the dark green outer leaves. Using a sharp knife, cut off the top two-thirds of the leaves. Trim the stem to 1/2 inch; peel the bottom and stem. Using a teaspoon, scrape out the hairy choke. Drop the artichoke heart into the lemon water. Repeat with the remaining artichokes.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Drain the artichoke hearts and pat dry. Halve the hearts crosswise and slice 1/3 inch thick. Add the artichokes, garlic, oregano, bay leaves and lemon zest to the skillet and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until the herbs are fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add 1 cup of the water. Reduce the heat to moderate, cover and cook until the artichokes are tender, about 10 minutes. Discard the lemon zest, oregano sprigs and bay leaves. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Transfer the artichokes and their liquid to a large bowl. Wipe out the skillet.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pearl onions and cook over moderately high heat until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain, and when cool enough to handle, cut off the root ends and peel.
Melt the butter in the large skillet. Add the pearl onions and sage leaves, season with salt and pepper and cook over moderate heat until the onions are browned on the bottoms, about 10 minutes. Add the vinegar and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of water. Remove from the heat. Season with salt and pepper. Add the onions to the artichokes.
Make Ahead: The recipe can be prepared 5 days ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently and season lightly with vinegar and salt and pepper.

Share Braised Artichokes with Red and White Pearl Onions