Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves plus 1/2 cup micro-basil or small basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 4 large artichokes (12 ounces each)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups dry white wine
  • 16 extra-large (16 to 20 per pound) shrimp in shell without heads, peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons orange dust plus additional to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 8 ounces arugula, coarse stems discarded
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Method

  • Blanch 3/4 cup basil in a 2-quart saucepan of boiling salted water 2 minutes, then drain in a sieve and plunge into a bowl of ice water to stop cooking.
  • Drain basil again and press out excess liquid.
  • Puree basil with grapeseed oil in a blender 2 minutes.
  • Pour mixture into an airtight container and chill 8 to 12 hours.
  • Pour through a very fine sieve into a small bowl (do not press on solids).
  • Squeeze juice from 1 lemon half into a large bowl of water, then drop same half into water.
  • Keep stem attached and, at opposite end, cut off top inch of 1 artichoke with a serrated knife.
  • Bend back outer leaves until they snap off close to base, then discard several more layers in same manner until you reach pale yellow leaves with pale green tips.
  • Cut remaining leaves flush with top of artichoke bottom using a sharp knife, then trim dark green fibrous parts from base and sides of artichoke.
  • Rub cut surfaces with remaining lemon half.
  • Cut 1/4 inch from stem to expose inner core.
  • Trim sides of stem (still attached) down to pale inner core.
  • Rub cut surfaces with same lemon half.
  • Cut artichoke into 4 wedges, then cut out any remaining purple leaves and fuzzy choke and drop artichoke wedges into lemon water.
  • Prepare remaining 3 artichokes in same manner.
  • Cook onion in olive oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Drain artichokes and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Arrange artichokes over onion, then add wine and simmer, covered, until artichokes are tender, 30 to 40 minutes.
  • Transfer mixture with a slotted spoon to a large bowl and keep warm, covered.
  • Pat shrimp dry and sprinkle with salt, cayenne, and 1 tablespoon orange dust.
  • Heat butter in cleaned skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then cook shrimp until just cooked through, about 2 minutes on each side.
  • Toss arugula, remaining 1/2 cup micro-basil, lemon juice, and remaining 2 teaspoons orange dust with artichoke mixture and season with salt.
  • Divide mixture among 4 plates and arrange shrimp around salad.
  • Drizzle each serving with some basil oil and sprinkle with additional orange dust.