Artichokes Caponata: Caponata di Carciofi

Ingredients

• 8 artichokes
• Lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons plus 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, cut into medium dice
• 1 small carrot, peeled and chopped into rough 1/4-inch dice
• 12 green olives pitted, preferably Sicilian variety
• 1 tablespoon salt packed capers, rinsed and dried
• 2 whole chiles
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 salt packed anchovy fillets, soaked in milk, rinsed, patted dry, chopped
• 4 canned plum tomatoes, peeled and seeded
• 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 4 heaping tablespoons granulated sugar

Directions

Using a bread knife, carefully slice off the tips of the artichokes, remove all of the tough outer leaves, and using a paring knife peel the base. Cut each artichoke into quarters and remove the choke, as well as any prickly tips that may have formed on the inner leaves. Place in water with lemon juice. Drain. Cut each of these quarters into halves, to make wedges.

In a medium saucepan, heat 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, add onions, carrots, olives, capers, chiles, and drained artichokes. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to caramelize. Add more olive oil, season, add tomato paste and let ingredients bubble rapidly. Add anchovies. During the last 5 minutes add tomatoes. Add red wine vinegar and sugar and reduce 1 minute.

Serve hot or at room temperature with a salad