Braised Baby Purple Artichokes with Olive Oil and Wine: These lovelies are almost entirely edible because there is no hairy choke inside to remove.
Yes, it happened again this year. I’m in love. Artichoke season is upon us and the most brilliant artichokes are available, if you are lucky enough to find them. These gorgeous Baby Purple Fiesole Artichokes were sent to me by Frieda’s Produce again this spring.
I gushed about them last year when I made Tequila Lime Artichokes. I couldn’t stop staring at them. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of them. And, oops – it happened again this year!
About baby purple artichokes
These Baby Purple Fiesole Artichokes are a little larger than a egg and they are have this luscious deep purple color – naturally. They have a nutty flavor to them that reminds the hubby and me of eggplant. Only better. And they can be steamed, braised, roasted or grilled.
If you can’t find these in your grocery store, check out your local farmer’s market. These beauties are grown here in California, but I’ve seen baby purple artichokes in other parts of the US, as well.
How to braise baby purple artichokes
These lovelies aren’t just a pretty artichoke. They are scrumptious, too. The prep work is like zero. There’s no hairy choke inside to remove, so that means more yummy artichoke to munch on.
Last year I roasted the purple artichokes, so this time, I braised them in lemon juice and white wine.Braising is the cooking technique or cooking something low and slow, like making a stew. Because these artichokes are small and tender already, they do not take long to cook.
How to store baby purple artichokes
Before cooking, these artichokes will last 4-5 days in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Once cooked, if you do have leftovers, they should last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
Final thoughts on baby purple artichokes
They make a wonderful appetizer or side dish for a roast or fish. If you can find these at the grocery store or farmer’s market, you must pick some up. They are truly gorgeous and make a very unique dish!
I really couldn’t stop taking pictures of these artichokes or the final dish. I’m so in love.
More artichoke recipes
- Chile-Lime Roasted Artichokes
- Grilled Balsamic Artichokes
- Sangria Artichoke with Garlic Butter
- Italian Stuffed Artichokes
- Braised Baby Artichokes and Mushrooms with Garlic and Lemon
- Tequila Lime Roasted Artichokes
- Steamed Artichokes with Garlic Mayonnaise
Braised Baby Purple Artichokes with Olive Oil and Wine
You are in for a treat if you can get ahold of baby artichokes. They are almost entirely edible because there is no hairy choke inside to remove.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Fiesole Baby Purple Artichokes
- 3 TBS extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 TBS lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 TBS chopped parsley
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry artichokes. Trim the ends, remove the outer leaves and cut the artichokes in half.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Place the artichokes in the oil, cut side down forming one layer and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the artichokes until the oil is bubbling and hot, about 5 minutes, then add wine, lemon juice and garlic.
- Continue cooking for 3 more minutes, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet and cook until artichokes are fork tender, about 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve artichokes warm or at room temperature. Garnish with chopped parsley.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1/4 lbAmount Per Serving: Calories: 108Total Fat: 10.6gSaturated Fat: 1.6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 152mgCarbohydrates: 1.3gFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.3gProtein: 0.3g
I got these artichokes in my organic veg box and found your recipe. They are delicious
Lucky you! They really are delicious artichokes. So glad you liked the recipe.
Laura
Got baby purple artichokes a Fresh Market in Ft. Lauderdale today and tried it out! It was delicious. Will definitely cook again.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Aren’t those purple artichokes the best?!
— Laura
This says spring to me. Have you tried deep frying them? They bloom like a rose in the oil and are so delicious. GREG
No hairy choke and tastes like eggplant – I must try! Gorgeous shots, Laura 🙂
Very colorful. Love this post!
Laura I’m definitely going to give these a try. Purple is a favorite color of my picky eater – I wonder if I could convince her to eat purple food?!?
I am always fascinated with baby purple artichokes at the farmer’s market but didn’t know what to do with them. I am excited to try your recipe.
Definitely trying your recipe. Although I had eaten these babies in restaurants, I’ve never prepared them myself.
Absolutely gorgeous! I’ve never had baby purple artichokes before, but I’m amazed by this beauty!!! I’d love to taste this. I love the “get recipe” icon on the picture. It’s human nature to click when it’s prompted (and I did. ;)).
I’ve been having loads of fun with artichokes, too! I don’t have any lovely purple ones, though – they look terrific! I’ll have to look for some. Good stuff – thanks.
Oh, have never seen them purple and so small! And I am an artichoke fiend!!! Love your recipe – now have about 4-5 months to wait and i’ll hound every grower at every farmers’ market 🙂 !
It looks like you had a lot of fun with the artichokes and your photos are lovely. They certainly look pretty enough to put in a vase instead of a bunch of flowers.
These artichokes look beautiful!! I’ve never seen them purple before in Miami.. Only other time i saw them purple was in Italy
Mr. & Mrs. P
Beautiful artichokes, I love that you braised them!
These artichokes are beatiful! We’ve been loving artichokes also this week, and now I’m excited to try baby artichokes. Thanks for the lovely post, and gorgeous photos!