Flash-Fried Artichoke Hearts

Artichokes (relatives of the sunflower) came to culinary prominence as far back as the 16th Century, when the arranged marriage of Catherine de Medici introduced the vegetable to King Henry II of France. Since then, artichokes, and especially the tender hearts, have been a staple of fine quisine. We flash-fry our California artichoke hearts just to wake up the natural flavors, then serve them alongside baby arugula and a housemade lemon aioli for accent.