Yogurt Artichoke Dip Recipes

Steps:

• Using a sharp knife, cut 1 in. from top of each artichoke and trim stem so it will stand upright. Using kitchen scissors, cut off tips of outer leaves. Place artichokes upright in a Dutch oven; cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until a leaf in the center pulls out easily, 35-40 minutes. Invert artichokes to drain. Cool slightly; cut each in half lengthwise. With a spoon, carefully scrape and remove fuzzy center of artichokes., In a cast-iron skillet or grill pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Place artichokes in pan, cut side down. Cook until lightly browned, 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Serve with artichokes and lemon wedges.

Steps:

• Combine 3/4 cup olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, the paprika, dried mint, 1/2 teaspoon cumin and the red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Add the lamb and toss to coat; cover and refrigerate 1 to 4 hours.
• Preheat a grill to medium high and brush the grates with vegetable oil. Thread the lamb, eggplant, artichokes and olives onto eight 10-inch skewers; season with salt. Grill the kebabs, turning occasionally, until marked, about 10 minutes for medium.
• Meanwhile, make the yogurt dip: Puree the yogurt, the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, juice of 1/2 lemon and1 teaspoon cumin, 2 tablespoons water, the chopped mint, garlic and 1 teaspoon salt in a blender until smooth; serve with the kebabs.

Steps:

• Lay an artichoke on its side on a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, cut away the entire top quarter in one slice. Rub the top with the cut lemon. Cut off the stem at the bottom, so the artichoke will stand upright, and rub the bottom with lemon. Pull off the tough bottom leaves (bracts). Then, using scissors, cut away the thorny end of each remaining bract. Rub the edges with lemon.
• Bring two inches of water to a boil in a steamer or pasta pot, and place the artichokes in the steaming basket. If they are too big to fit, place them directly in the water. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer 45 minutes or until a leaf easily pulls away. Remove from the heat. Serve hot or at room temperature with a sauce for dipping the leaves. Use your teeth to scrape the flesh from the bottom of the leaf. Have a bowl or plate on the side for the discarded leaves. When you reach the papery leaves that cover the heart in the middle, cut them away along with the choke and discard. Divvy up the heart and enjoy.
• Whisk together the vinegar, salt, Dijon mustard and garlic. Whisk in the mayonnaise, yogurt and olive oil, and blend well. Taste, adjust salt, and add pepper. Use as a dip for artichokes or other vegetables.