STEAMED ARTICHOKES WITH ALMOND SAFFRON DIP

Steamed Artichokes with Almond Saffron Dip image

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 servings, serving size 1 artichoke and 1/4 cup sauce

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 artichokes
Pinch saffron
1 tablespoon boiling water
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Arrange the artichokes in a steamer basket set over at least 3 cups of water and steam, covered, until the leaves can be easily removed, about 1 hour. Let cool. About halfway through cooking check the water level and add more, if necessary.
In a small bowl, stir together saffron and the tablespoon of boiling water. Toast the almonds in a small dry skillet over medium-high heat until beginning to brown, about 2 minutes. Remove the almonds and add 1 tablespoon of the oil to the pan. Add onion and cook until beginning to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl and let cool. In a food processor, grind the almonds until finely chopped. Add the saffron mixture, onion mixture, yogurt and parsley and puree until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Serve with the artichokes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 200, Fat 10 grams, SaturatedFat 1.5 grams, Sodium 170 milligrams, Carbohydrate 22 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 9 grams