Baby Artichoke Sauté with Basil-Asiago Breadcrumbs

Because they are small and tender, baby artichokes are great sauté candidates. A combination of butter and oil offers layered flavor with less risk of the butter burning. Panko, however, is sautéed in butter alone because the breadcrumbs immediately soak up the fat, which makes burning less likely. If you don't have panko, use fresh breadcrumbs made from leftover bread, and sauté an additional minute or two.

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1/2 cup artichoke mixture and 1 tablespoon sauce)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2  teaspoons  butter, divided
• 1/4  cup  panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 2  tablespoons  grated fresh Asiago cheese
• 1  tablespoon  finely chopped fresh basil
• 1/8  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
• 2  tablespoons  reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 2  tablespoons  fat-free sour cream
• 2  teaspoons  fresh lemon juice
• 6  cups  water
• 1  tablespoon  fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2  pounds  baby artichokes (about 12)
• 1 1/2  teaspoons  olive oil
• 1/8  teaspoon  salt
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Preparation

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon butter to pan, swirling to coat; heat 10 seconds or until foam subsides. Add panko and garlic to pan; sauté 1 minute or until panko is lightly browned, stirring frequently. Place panko mixture in a small bowl; cool slightly. Stir in cheese, basil, and pepper.

2. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and 2 teaspoons juice; set aside.

3. Combine 6 cups water and 1 tablespoon juice. Working with 1 artichoke at a time, cut off stem of artichoke to within 1 inch of base; peel stem. Remove bottom leaves and tough outer leaves from artichoke, leaving tender heart and bottom. Trim about 1 inch from top of artichoke. Cut artichoke in quarters. Place artichoke quarters in lemon water. Repeat procedure with the remaining artichokes.

4. Heat pan over medium-high heat. Drain artichokes, and pat dry. Add remaining 1/2 teaspoon butter and oil to pan, swirling to coat bottom of pan; heat 15 seconds or until foam subsides. Add artichokes to pan; sauté 7 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Stir in salt. Sprinkle panko mixture over artichokes; toss gently to combine. Serve with sauce and lemon wedges, if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

153 (32% from fat)

Fat:

5.4g (sat 1.8g,mono 1.9g,poly 0.9g)

Protein:

7.6g

Carbohydrate:

23.3g

Fiber:

9.4g

Cholesterol:

8mg

Iron:

2.2mg

Sodium:

335mg

Calcium:

126mg