SICILIAN-STYLE ARTICHOKE HEARTS WITH BURRATA

Sicilian-style artichoke hearts with burrata image

Make the most of globe artichokes with luscious, creamy burrata and a delicate saffron, honey and white balsamic dressing

Provided by Diana Henry

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

4 globe artichokes
1 x 200g burrata
6 anchovies in olive oil (use a good brand, such as Ortiz), chopped
1 tbsp capers , rinsed of salt or vinegar and patted dry
1 tbsp toasted pine nuts
leaves from about 3 mint springs, torn
juice 1 lemon
½ tbsp white balsamic vinegar
pinch of saffron
¼ tsp honey
5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil , plus extra for drizzling

Steps:

Make the dressing by mixing the lemon juice, white balsamic and saffron in a very small saucepan, then heat gently until it begins to steam. The saffron will colour and flavour the liquid as it heats. Remove from the heat and leave to sit for 20 mins. Add the honey, olive oil and seasoning to the saffron liquid, whisking with a fork. Taste and adjust for seasoning and balance.
Remove the tough leaves close to the base of the artichokes. Cut off the stems completely, so the artichokes will sit flat. Cook in plenty of lightly salted, boiling water. It will take 15-30 mins, depending on the size and freshness of the artichoke, so check from 15 mins onwards. The best test of doneness is when a leaf from the middle pulls away easily. Drain well, upside down so the water runs out. Pull off the leaves, remove the hairy choke - using a teaspoon works best - and you are left with the tender heart. Trim it so that it's neat, but try not to cut any of the actual heart.
Lift the burrata out of its liquid and carefully set it on kitchen paper. (It's better if burrata is drained a bit, otherwise the milky liquid seeps into the dressing.) Put the cheese on a plate and place the artichoke hearts alongside. Season the hearts, scatter over the anchovies, capers, pine nuts and mint, then spoon the saffron dressing over everything. Drizzle more extra virgin olive oil over the burrata and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 685 calories, Fat 55 grams fat, SaturatedFat 18 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 9 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 4 grams sugar, Fiber 21 grams fiber, Protein 29 grams protein, Sodium 4.4 milligram of sodium