Raw Artichoke Salad with Herbs, Almonds, and Parmigiano
Photo: Laura Dart
"Don't even try this salad unless you have very early artichokes, the first ones to show up in the spring markets," says chef Joshua McFadden of Ava Gene's in Portland. "As with all spring vegetables, the still-cold nights help the artichoke's sugars develop for the best flavor; and because they are smaller, young artichokes are less fibrous and more tender…but only if you slice them very fine."
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Pull and snap off darker outer leaves of artichokes until you reach the pale green-yellow tender inner leaves. Slice off top third of the artichoke. Trim very end of stem and then peel outer layers of stem* with a paring knife or vegetable peeler. (The outer layer of the stem is super fibrous, but the inner, lighter heart is sweet and succulent.)
Step 2
2
Slice whole artichoke in half lengthwise (don't use a carbon-steel knife, or artichoke will discolor) and rub the whole exterior with one of the lemon halves. Scoop out hairy choke with a spoon, or slice it away with a paring knife. Squeeze some lemon juice into choke space.
Step 3
3
Place an artichoke half cut side down on work surface and slice it lengthwise as thinly as you can. If you have a mandoline slicer, this is the perfect time to use it. Repeat with other artichoke halves.
Step 4
4
Put sliced artichoke in a bowl. Squeeze in juice of remaining 3 lemon halves (try to retrieve and discard seeds!) and add 1/2 tsp. salt, lots of twists of black pepper, the chile flakes, mint, parsley, chives, chive blossoms (if using), almonds, and Parmigiano and toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning so salad is lively and well balanced, then drizzle with olive oil. Toss salad again, taste, and serve.
Step 5
5
*Trim the base of the artichoke as well.
Ingredients
2 early-season artichokes
2 lemons, halved
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried chile flakes
1/4 cup each lightly packed mint leaves, flat-leaf parsley leaves, chives cut into 2-in. lengths, and chive blossoms (if you can find them)
1/2 cup roughly chopped toasted almonds
15 to 20 shavings Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (shaved with a vegetable peeler)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
Step 1
1
Pull and snap off darker outer leaves of artichokes until you reach the pale green-yellow tender inner leaves. Slice off top third of the artichoke. Trim very end of stem and then peel outer layers of stem* with a paring knife or vegetable peeler. (The outer layer of the stem is super fibrous, but the inner, lighter heart is sweet and succulent.)
Step 2
2
Slice whole artichoke in half lengthwise (don't use a carbon-steel knife, or artichoke will discolor) and rub the whole exterior with one of the lemon halves. Scoop out hairy choke with a spoon, or slice it away with a paring knife. Squeeze some lemon juice into choke space.
Step 3
3
Place an artichoke half cut side down on work surface and slice it lengthwise as thinly as you can. If you have a mandoline slicer, this is the perfect time to use it. Repeat with other artichoke halves.
Step 4
4
Put sliced artichoke in a bowl. Squeeze in juice of remaining 3 lemon halves (try to retrieve and discard seeds!) and add 1/2 tsp. salt, lots of twists of black pepper, the chile flakes, mint, parsley, chives, chive blossoms (if using), almonds, and Parmigiano and toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning so salad is lively and well balanced, then drizzle with olive oil. Toss salad again, taste, and serve.
Step 5
5
*Trim the base of the artichoke as well.
Search All of Sunset's Recipes
The Latest
All the Thanksgiving Recipes You Need, from Turkey to Pie (and Beyond)
