Fried Artichokes with Lemon Paprika Aioli

Every year for my office work party, we go to a golf club near by for a fabulous brunch. The brunch is set up as a buffet and has every. food. imaginable. Even better, it all tastes amazing!!!! My ultimate favourite thing they serve there are deep fried artichokes. I could not stop eating them!

I went so far as to ask the waitress if I can get the recipe. The good news was, the chef wrote it out for me. The bad news was, one, the recipe was clearly not accurate as my first attempt was a disaster and two, she never wrote the aioli recipe- which was the best part.

So, I ended up making my own recipe, and the artichokes tastes the exact same. In terms of the aioli, I tried and while mine was good- it did not compare to the sauce at the buffet… so next year, I am asking for that recipe! If you don’t like aioli, a simple ranch dressing will do.

All in all, these fried artichokes are worth making as a fabulous appetizer at your next get together. Share this recipe because it’s worth gossiping about!

Fried Artichokes with Lemon Paprika Aioli

Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:
1 can of artichoke hearts, cut into quarters
1/2 cup flour + 1/2 cup flour
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Salt/pepper to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying
Aioli
1/3 cup mayo
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tsp paprika
Salt/pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a bowl, place 1/2 cup flour, salt and pepper. Add in the artichokes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup flour, lemon zest, parsley and 1/2 cup water (add more if need thinner consistency).
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together aioli ingredients. Set aside.
4. In a small saucepan, bring oil up to 350 degrees.
5. Take the artichokes with some tongs from the flour mixture and dredge them in the batter. Place into oil and fry until golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan, can do in batches.
6. Remove the artichokes and place on a paper towel. Sprinkle with more salt and parsley. Serve with aioli. Enjoy!

*** If you do not want to use aioli, a simple ranch dressing will work just as well!