Crispy Fried Artichokes

Ingredients

• 4 large artichokes 4 large artichokes
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) cold sparkling water 1 cup (240ml) cold sparkling water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving Lemon wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Fill a large bowl with cold water and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. Set aside.
2. 2.
   Trim the artichokes by removing the tough outer leaves and cutting off the top third of each artichoke. Trim the stem, leaving about an inch attached.
3. 3.
   Slice the artichokes in half lengthwise and remove the fuzzy choke using a spoon.
4. 4.
   Place the cleaned artichokes in the bowl of lemon water to prevent browning.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
6. 6.
   Gradually add the sparkling water to the flour mixture, whisking until a smooth batter forms.
7. 7.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to a temperature of 180°C (350°F).
8. 8.
   Dip each artichoke half into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off.
9. 9.
   Carefully place the battered artichokes into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
10. 10.
    Remove the fried artichokes from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
11. 11.
    Serve the Crispy Fried Artichokes hot, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Artichokes — When cleaning the artichokes, make sure to remove all the tough outer leaves and the fuzzy choke to reveal the tender heart. Soaking them in lemon water helps prevent browning.
• Sparkling water — The carbonation in sparkling water helps create a lighter and crispier batter.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
• Serve the Crispy Fried Artichokes with a garlic aioli or a tangy yogurt dip for a delicious accompaniment.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can also bake the artichokes in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Fried Artichokes as an appetizer or tapas dish. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Fried Artichokes on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro. The golden brown color of the artichokes will be visually appealing, and the vibrant green of the herbs will add a pop of freshness.