ARTICHOKES BRAISED WITH SAFFRON, BLACK OLIVES AND ALMONDS

ARTICHOKES BRAISED WITH SAFFRON, BLACK OLIVES AND ALMONDS image

Yield 4 people

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 3/4pounds medium or 2 1/4 pounds baby artichokes
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Dash red pepper flakes
Dash saffron
1/2teaspoon orange zest
1/2teaspoon salt
1/4cup olive oil
1/2cup water
1 tablespoon orange juice
2 tablespoons chopped black olives
1 tablespoon slivered almonds
1 tablespoon minced parsley

Steps:

1. Trim the artichokes. If using mediums, quarter them lengthwise. Place them in a bowl of acidulated water (water with a little vinegar, lemon or lime juice) to prevent discoloration. Drain. 2. Cook the artichokes, garlic, red pepper flakes, saffron, orange zest, salt, olive oil and water over medium heat in a large, covered skillet until the artichokes are tender, about 15 minutes. Shake the pan from time to time to stir the contents. If necessary, add a little more water to keep the bottom covered. 3. When the artichokes are easily pierced with a knife, remove the lid and raise the heat to high. Cook, stirring, until only a thin coating of liquid remains on the bottom of the pan, about 3 minutes. 4. Add the orange juice, olives, almonds and parsley, and cook, stirring, just until they are heated through. Serve warm. Each serving: 177 calories; 3 grams protein; 10 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams fiber; 15 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 399 mg. sodium.