BRAISED ARTICHOKE with PEAS

Ingredients

• 4 artichokes
• 1+1/2 cup fresh peas
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 12 shallots
• 4-6 cups boiling water
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 3 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 2 lemons

Method

1. Cut the stalks off the artichokes, remove all the tough outer leaves and trim until you reach the tender heart. Rub with lemon all over.
2. In a bowl mix 3 cups of tap water and juice of a lemon. Place the rubbed artichokes in this liquid and set aside.
3. Cook the shallots in olive oil until transparent, add the peas, salt, sugar, juice of 1 lemon and 4 cups of boiling water. After simmering for 10 minutes, add the artichokes facing down and continue cooking on medium low heat until the artichokes are tender (30-45 minutes; add more boiling water as necessary).
4. Let cool in the same pot with the lid on. Serve room temperature or cold.

Note: Always use a stainless-steel knife and a stainless-steel pot. Iron or aluminum will turn the artichokes to an unappetizing color.