Fresh Beans and Artichokes

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Photo: Frederic Lagrange
Prep Time:
1 hr 25 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 5 mins
Servings:
12

Blanch the beans so that they keep their crisp bite, as well as their bright and bold colors.

Ingredients

  • 3 lemons, halved

  • 10 globe artichokes

  • Coarse salt

  • 1 cup 10-Minute Vinaigrette (lemon variation), divided

  • 6 cups mixed fresh beans, such as green, romano, and wax (1 ½ pounds), trimmed

  • ½ cup roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, plus more for garnish

Directions

  1. Squeeze juice of 1 lemon into a bowl of cold water; add rinds. Working with 1 artichoke at a time, snap off dark outer leaves to expose yellow leaves with green tips. Cut off dark-green top of artichoke with a serrated knife until only the pale part remains. Trim dark-green parts from base and stem with a paring knife. Scrape out purple leaves and fuzzy choke with a spoon. Rub artichoke with lemon, and add to lemon water.

  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons salt and the artichokes. Return to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until artichokes are tender when pierced with a knife, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove artichokes; let cool. Cut into 1/2-inch slices.

  3. Transfer artichokes to a bowl. Add 1/2 cup vinaigrette. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour or refrigerate up to 1 week.

  4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and half the beans. Boil until beans are tender and color is bright, about 5 minutes. Transfer beans to a colander with a slotted spoon; run under cold water. Repeat with remaining beans.

  5. Just before serving, toss beans with 1/4 cup vinaigrette and the parsley. Arrange on a platter. Surround with artichokes; garnish with parsley.

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