Braised Baby Artichokes

Category Winner: Sides and Salads. "I simply love the taste of this unique little vegetable. The recipe has a bit of lemony tang, and I opt for a Vidalia onion to complement that flavor. The easy preparation ensures that the dish comes out the same every time you make it. " —Nikki LoRé, Rochester, NY

6 cups water
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
12 baby artichokes (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 large Vidalia or other sweet onion, peeled and quartered
1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves, peeled

1. Combine 6 cups water and 1 tablespoon juice in a large bowl. Working with 1 artichoke at a time, cut off stem of artichoke to within 1 inch of base; peel stem. Remove bottom leaves and tough outer leaves from artichoke, leaving tender heart and bottom. Trim about 1 inch from top of artichoke. Place artichoke in lemon water. Repeat procedure with remaining artichokes. Drain and set aside.

2. Place onion in center of a Dutch oven. Arrange artichokes in a single layer around onion. Add broth and remaining ingredients to pan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 18 minutes or just until onion is tender (artichokes will be very tender). Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon juice. Remove artichokes and onion from pan with a slotted spoon; set aside, and keep warm. Bring broth mixture to a boil; cook 4 minutes or until slightly thickened. Pour sauce over artichoke mixture.

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 3 artichokes and 1 onion quarter)

CALORIES 198 ; FAT 14.1g (sat 2g,mono 10g,poly 2g); CHOLESTEROL 0.0mg; CALCIUM 17mg; CARBOHYDRATE 18.5g; SODIUM 565mg; PROTEIN 5.3g; FIBER 7.8g; IRON 0.3mg

Cooking Light, JANUARY 2009