RecipesApicius

Artichoke

Apicius 3.19.3 · 4th century AD

Latin

aliter carduos elixos: piper cuminum liquamen et oleum.

English

Another way with boiled cardoons: pepper, cumin, fish sauce, and oil.

Ingredients

  • 1 globe artichoke bulb
  • 1½ Tb olive oil
  • 2 tsp fish sauce
  • A pinch of cumin
  • Ground black pepper

Method

  1. Steam the artichoke for 25–35 minutes, until the outer leaves can easily be pulled off. Alternatively, wrap the artichoke in damp paper towels and microwave for 10 minutes.
  2. Mix together the remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Dip the leaves and eat the normal way, then remove the choke and eat the heart with the sauce.

Notes

  • This recipe was originally for cardoons, of which the artichoke is a cultivated variety. It’s unclear whether the ancient Romans cultivated artichokes or consumed wild cardoons, but since cardoons are difficult to find I’ve substituted the artichokes instead.