Marinated Artichoke Hearts with Herbs and Olive Oil
Marinated artichoke hearts are a classic Italian antipasto or side dish. They're made by marinating artichoke hearts in a mixture of olive oil, herbs, and lemon juice. The artichokes absorb the flavors of the marinade, becoming tender and flavorful. This recipe is a simple and delicious way to make marinated artichoke hearts at home. The artichokes can be marinated for as little as 2 hours or as long as overnight. They're perfect for serving as part of a cheese plate, on a salad, or as a side dish to grilled or roasted meats.
Marinated artichoke hearts have a long and storied history. They were first mentioned in Roman cookbooks in the 1st century AD. The Romans believed that artichokes were aphrodisiacs, and they often served them at banquets and other festive occasions. In the Middle Ages, artichokes were introduced to Spain and France, where they quickly became popular. By the Renaissance, marinated artichoke hearts were a staple of the Italian diet. Today, they are enjoyed all over the world as a delicious and versatile appetizer or side dish.
Marinated Artichoke Hearts with Herbs and Olive Oil Marinated Artichoke Hearts with Herbs and Olive Oil Marinated Artichoke Hearts with Herbs and Olive Oil Marinated Artichoke Hearts with Herbs and Olive Oil
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 (12-ounce) jar of artichoke hearts, drained
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, parsley, thyme, basil, oregano, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  2. Add the artichoke hearts to the bowl and toss to coat.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  4. Serve chilled, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Why It Works
  • The combination of olive oil, herbs, and lemon juice helps to tenderize the artichoke hearts and infuse them with flavor.
  • Marinating the artichokes for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to fully develop.
  • The artichokes can be served chilled or at room temperature, making them a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in any season.