Ingredients

  • 1/2 c. Red wine vinegar
  • 6 c. Water
  • 36 x Baby artichokes halved
  • 1 Tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 ounce Bacon finely diced
  • 1 lrg Onion finely minced
  • 3 lrg Garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 lb Ripe tomatoes peeled, seeded, and minced
  • 3 c. Chicken broth preferably homemade
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Freshly-grnd black pepper Lemon wedges for serving
  • 1/4 c. Pine nuts toasted

Method

  • In a glass or possibly ceramic bowl, combine the vinegar and the water.
  • Remove the outer leaves from each artichoke and trim the tops and bottoms.
  • Lay the artichoke on its side and, with a small sharp knife cut away from the bottom towards the top on a slant, to create points.
  • The edges should look scalloped, the bottoms rounded, and the tops pointed.
  • As you trim each artichoke, place it in the bowl of acidulated water to stop it from discoloring.
  • In a large non-metal saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat.
  • Add in the bacon and cook for about 10 min, stirring occasionally, till golden brown.
  • Pour off all but about 1 1/2 Tbsp.
  • of fat from the pan and throw away it.
  • Add in the onion and cook for 6 to 7 min more, till softened, then add in the garlic and cook for 2 min more, till the aroma of the garlic is released.
  • Add in the tomatoes to the pan and increase the heat to medium.
  • Cook for 10 to 15 min, till all the liquid has evaporated.
  • Add in the broth, salt, and pepper and bring the liquid to a boil.
  • Drain the artichokes well and add in them to the pan.
  • Reduce the heat so which the liquid is simmering and cook for about 25 to 30 min, covered.
  • Transfer the artichokes to a serving dish and keep hot in a low oven.
  • Increase the heat to high and boil the sauce till it has reduced to about 1 c..
  • Taste for seasoning and then pour the sauce over the artichokes.
  • Squeeze some lemon juice proportionately over the artichokes, scatter the toasted pine nuts over the top, and serve.
  • This recipe yields 6 servings.
  • Comments: To toast pine nuts, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Spread the nuts on a cookie sheet and toast in the oven till golden brown, about 10 min.
  • Set aside to cold.
  • NOTES : Is it 36 or possibly 3 to 6 baby artichokes