Herbed Artichokes with Sour Cream Sauce

Herbed Artichokes with Sour Cream Sauce Recipe | Ingredients: artichokes, oregano, thyme, olive oil, sour cream, mayonnaise, cumin, garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, parsley

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Herbed Artichokes with Sour Cream Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a holiday meal. The combination of tender artichokes with a creamy and tangy sour cream sauce is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

History

Artichokes have been enjoyed as a culinary delicacy for centuries, with records of their consumption dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. The use of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of artichokes is a common practice in Mediterranean cuisine, where these vegetables are a staple ingredient in many dishes.

Ingredients

6 medium artichokes, trimmed
2 qt (1.89 liter) water
0.5 tsp oregano
0.5 tsp thyme
3 tbsp olive oil

Sour cream sauce

1 cup sour cream
0.25 cup mayonnaise
0.75 tsp cumin
0.25 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
0.25 cup chopped parsley

How to prepare

Place artichokes, herbs, and olive oil in a large pot with boiling water. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes.
Serve hot or at room temperature with sour cream sauce.

Sour cream sauce

Combine the ingredients and let them stand for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Variations

Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sour cream sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the sauce for a Mediterranean twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When trimming artichokes, be sure to remove the tough outer leaves and cut off the top of the artichoke to expose the heart.

- To prevent artichokes from turning brown, rub them with lemon juice before cooking.

- Be sure to cook the artichokes until they are tender but still slightly firm, as overcooking can make them mushy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Herbed Artichokes with Sour Cream Sauce as a side dish with roasted chicken or grilled fish for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the artichokes with herbs and olive oil infuses them with flavor and helps them cook evenly.

- Allowing the sour cream sauce to stand for 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use dried herbs instead of fresh if fresh herbs are not available.

- Substitute white wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The sour cream sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Cook the artichokes ahead of time and reheat them in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Herbed Artichokes with Sour Cream Sauce on a platter garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation. - Arrange the artichokes on individual plates and drizzle the sour cream sauce over the top for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Herbed Artichokes with Sour Cream Sauce with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

- Serve this dish with a side of crusty bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the artichokes in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Herbed Artichokes with Sour Cream Sauce contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Herbed Artichokes with Sour Cream Sauce contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Herbed Artichokes with Sour Cream Sauce contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Herbed Artichokes with Sour Cream Sauce contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Artichokes are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as folate, magnesium, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream and mayonnaise) and eggs (mayonnaise), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Herbed Artichokes with Sour Cream Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish that is high in fats and calories, but also provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Herbed Artichokes with Sour Cream Sauce is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a holiday meal. With a rich and creamy sauce and tender artichokes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Herbed Artichokes with Sour Cream Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret at her beautiful farmhouse in the countryside. Margaret was known for her culinary skills, and I always looked forward to the delicious meals she would prepare for us.

On this particular day, Margaret had planned to make a special dish with artichokes that she had picked from her own garden. As she began to prepare the artichokes, I watched in awe as she expertly trimmed and cooked them to perfection. The aroma of fresh herbs filled the air, and I knew that this dish was going to be something truly special.

As Margaret finished cooking the artichokes, she revealed her secret ingredient - a creamy sour cream sauce that added a rich and tangy flavor to the dish. I had never tasted anything quite like it before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it for myself.

Margaret graciously shared her recipe with me, and I eagerly wrote down every detail. She explained that the key to a delicious sour cream sauce was to use fresh herbs and high-quality sour cream. She also shared her tips for cooking the artichokes just right, so that they were tender and flavorful.

I returned home that day feeling inspired and excited to recreate Margaret's dish in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work preparing the artichokes and sour cream sauce. As I cooked, I could almost hear Margaret's voice guiding me through each step, just as she had done in her farmhouse kitchen.

When the dish was finally ready, I eagerly took a bite and was transported back to that sunny day at Margaret's farmhouse. The artichokes were tender and flavorful, and the sour cream sauce added the perfect touch of creaminess and tang. I knew that I had truly found a special recipe that I would treasure for years to come.

Since that day, I have made Herbed Artichokes with Sour Cream Sauce countless times for my family and friends. Each time I prepare this dish, I am reminded of Margaret and the wonderful memories we shared in her farmhouse kitchen. I am grateful for her friendship and for teaching me the art of cooking with love and passion.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day, I can't help but smile. The recipe for Herbed Artichokes with Sour Cream Sauce has become a beloved tradition in my family, and I am honored to pass it down to future generations. Thank you, Margaret, for sharing your culinary wisdom with me and inspiring me to create delicious meals with heart and soul.