Carciofi con guganciale (artichokes with bacon)

6 servings

Ingredients

Quantity Ingredient
12 smalls Artichokes
1 Lemon
6 Ounces, very lean unsmoked bacon
4 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
¾ cup Dry white wine
½ cup Fine fresh bread crumbs

Directions

1. Remove the outer layer of leaves from the artichokes. Squeeze the lemon into a large bowl of water and let the artichokes remain in it for ½ hour.

2. Slice the bacon into thin strips, ½ inch long. Saute the bacon slices in the olive oil. Remove bacon and discard drippings. Heat remaining olive oil to medium low.

3. Meanwhile drain and towel dry the artichokes. Slice them the long way in quarters and slowly cook in the oil, turning frequently, browning lightly. When done, remove artichokes and drain on paper for a few minutes, then place in a bowl and toss with the bacon, some salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spritz with lemon juice and serve immediately.

To turn the above recipe into sauce for pasta...

In addition to the above you will need: 1 clove of garlic minced 3 ripe red tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped 2 tablespoons chopped mint ⅓ cup of chicken or vegetable broth, reduced by half 1 to 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Pecorino cheese 12 ounces rigatoni 1. Proceed exactly the same as in above recipe through step 3.

2. In the oil in which you have cooked the artichokes, saute the garlic briefly without browning. Stir in the tomatoes, chopped mint and broth. Cook until tomatoes are slightly broken down. Add the artichokes and cook for five minutes.

3. Spoon over firmly-cooked rigatoni. Add more olive oil if too dry.

Serve with grated Pecorino. Source: Journal of Italian Food & Wine

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