Grilled Artichokes with Curry Mayonnaise

from the Farmers' Market in Bayview, Washington

via Dick Lonergan

serves 4

2 large artichokes

juice of 1 large lemon

olive oil

pepper

garlic salt

Curry Mayonnaise

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon curry powder

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Cut off tops of the artichokes and trim the tops of their leaves. Remove the stems at the base. Put lemon juice on the bottom and on the cut leaves. Set the artichokes in a large pot containing 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil, and simmer, covered, until bottom is tender, about 40 minutes. Make sure water doesn't evaporate.

Meanwhile heat grill. Cut artichokes in half from top to bottom and remove the choke. Brush all over with olive oil. Sprinkle generously with pepper and garlic salt. Grill over high heat for 5 minutes with leaves down (curved part down). Then grill for 5 more minutes on the flat side.

Serve with curry mayonnaise (stir or whisk the 3 ingredients until blended).

We had a grilled artichoke at the Farmers' Market and just had to recreate it using their advice. The simple steps of seasoning and grilling add an extra something to an already special vegetable.