12small fresh artichokes or 2 cans artichoke hearts in water
2lemons
3tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
Salt
Ground black pepper or ground red pepper
PASTA
2tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
4tablespoonsbuttercut into slices
4clovesgarlicchopped
1teaspooncrushed red pepperoptional
Salt
½cupwhite winechicken stock, or vegetable stock
1poundspaghetti or linguine
2 5-ouncecans yellowfin tuna in olive oil
1lemonjuice only
1cupgrated Pecorino Romano cheese
¼cupchopped fresh Italian parsley
1small handful fresh mintchopped
¼cupchopped toasted pistachios or pine nuts
Instructions
To make artichokes:
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Fill a bowl with cold water and juice of 1 lemon.
If using fresh artichokes, trim off tops and tougher outer leaves. Using a vegetable peeler or small paring knife, trim stems. Cut fresh artichokes in half. If using canned artichokes, drain well and quarter lengthwise.
Place artichokes in lemon water. Let soak 2 to 3 minutes; drain and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
In a casserole or baking dish arrange artichokes and add juice of remaining lemon. Quarter remaining lemon and add lemon wedges to dish. Add olive oil and salt and pepper. Roast 25 to 30 minutes or until tender.
To make pasta:
Bring a large pot of water to boiling. While water is coming to a boil, place a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and butter. Add garlic, red pepper if using, and salt to taste; swirl 1 minute. Add wine or stock and let reduce by half.
When water comes to boiling, salt water, add pasta, and cook 1 minute less than directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Add artichokes to large skillet with tuna with its oil and gently break up with the back of a wooden spoon or paddle. Add the reserved pasta water, lemon juice, cheese, half of the parsley, half of the mint, and the nuts. Toss to combine. Top with the remaining herbs. Makes 4 servings.