Fried Artichoke Hearts

By blum099

Fried artichoke hearts are well worth the effort! Taratur sauce is the perfect dip—tahini brightened with lemon juice and pepped up with lots of garlic.

Ingredients

• TARATUR SAUCE:
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 cup tahini (Middle Eastern sesame seed paste)
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ARTICHOKES:
• 4 cups olive oil
• 8 hearts of steamed medium artichokes, halved if large
• 1/2 cup flour
• Salt

Preparation

Step 1

Place garlic and salt in a mortar and grind to a paste with pestle. (Garlic can also be very finely chopped.) Transfer garlic paste to a bowl and add tahini. While stirring, drizzle in lemon juice. Thin to the consistency of a thick dip with up to 3 tablespoons water. Stir in 2 teaspoons of the parsley.

Heat oil to 375°F in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Dredge artichokes in flour, and shake off excess. When oil is hot (a toothpick dropped in oil will quickly turn dark brown when oil is ready), fry artichokes, a few at a time, turning occasionally, until golden, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, and sprinkle with salt. Serve with taratur, garnished with remaining 1 teaspoon parsley.