Sautéed Artichokes with Lemon Za'atar Dipping Sauce Recipe

Sote Enginar Za'atar Limon Sosu Daldirma ile
Sautéed Artichokes with Lemon Za'atar Dipping Sauce
Submitted By: Taz

Ingredients:

Sautéed Artichokes:

2 Large Artichokes
3 Lemons
2 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Kosher Salt to taste
Fresh Ground Black Pepper to taste

Lemon Za'atar Dipping Sauce:

1 Cup Plain Yogurt
Juice of 1 Lemon or more to taste
¼ Cup Toasted Sesame Seeds
3 Tbs Dried Thyme
2 Tsp Dried Mustard
1 tsp Sumac
1 tsp Kosher Salt
¼ tsp Red Chile Powder (Cayenne)

Preparation:

Make Lemon Za'atar Dipping Sauce:
  1. Place yogurt, lemon juice, sesame seeds, mustard, salt, and red chile pepper in a small bowl
  2. Place thyme and sumac in a mortar and pestle, spice mill, or clean coffee grinder and grind into a slightly coarse powder - Add to yogurt mixture
  3. Mix to thoroughly combine - Cover and place in refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld (If making in advance: press plastic wrap onto surface and refrigerate for up to 2 days)
  4. Serve cold or slightly cool

Sautéed Artichokes:
  1. Cut the stems from the artichokes leaving about ½ inch - Using a serrated knife, cut off the top 2 inches of the artichokes - Cut artichokes in half lengthwise - Using a spoon, scrape out the 'fuzzy' inner choke and the small, purple/purple tipped leaves lining the inside - Use shears to snip off any remaining sharp tips from the remaining leaves
  2. Bring water to a boil in a double boiler or in a large pot with a steamer insert - Place prepared artichokes in the double boiler or steamer and cover - Allow the artichokes to steam for 20-25 minutes or until lowest leaves pull off easily but with resistance
  3. Remove artichokes from double boiler or steamer and place (cut side down) on absorbent paper to drain for 5 minutes 
  4. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat - Arrange artichoke halves cut side down in skillet - Squeeze 2 lemons over the top of the artichokes - Season with salt and pepper to taste - Allow artichokes to sauté for 3-5 minutes or until slightly charred
  5. Transfer to a serving platter squeeze the remaining lemon over the top and serve immediately alongside the Lemon Za'atar Dipping Sauce and additional lemon wedges if desired -OR- allow to cool to room temp and pack in your picnic basket (pack Lemon Za'atar Dipping Sauce separately for transport) squeeze the remaining lemon over the top at service
Share by: