This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Serves 2.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 medium artichokes
  • 4 bacon slices
  • 2 vine-ripened tomatoes
  • 1 shallot
  • 3 tablespoons drained capers
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup olive oil

    DIRECTIONS

    With a serrated knife cut artichoke stems flush with bottoms. Cut off and discard top inch from artichokes. In a saucepan cover artichokes with salted water and bring to a boil. Simmer artichokes, covered, until just tender, 20 to 25 minutes.


    While artichokes are cooking, coarsely chop bacon and in a skillet cook over moderate heat, stirring, until golden. With a slotted spoon transfer bacon to paper towels. Halve and seed tomatoes and cut into 1/4-inch dice. Finely chop shallot and capers. In a bowl combine lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk in oil in a slow stream until emulsified and add bacon, tomatoes, shallot, and capers.


    Drain artichokes upside down on a rack and arrange each on a plate. Separating leaves slightly, drizzle vinaigrette between leaves and onto plates.