Stuffed Artichokes - Giada De Laurentiis

Featured on Giada De Laurentiis' FoodTV show, "Everyday Italian." This makes a large number of servings and is great for parties.

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 10-12

Ingredients

• 2  lemons
• 3  cloves garlic, smashed
• 6  large artichokes
• 3  tablespoons fresh lemon juice (1 lemon, juiced)
• 1⁄3 cup  chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped fresh basil leaf
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped fresh mint leaves
• 2  cloves garlic, minced
• 2  teaspoons  grated lemons, rind of
• 4  tablespoons  drained capers
• 6  ounces  Italian bread, crust trimmed,cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 2 1⁄2 lbs plum tomatoes, seeded,chopped
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 3  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 12  sprigs fresh Italian parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Fill a large pot (a stock pot works well) with cold water; roll the 2 lemons on the counter with your palm to"loosen" juices, then cut in half and squeeze the juice into the pot of water and toss in the squeezed lemon halves and the smashed garlic.
2. Trim the artichokes: cut off the top quarter from the artichokes and discard, remove the bottom and tough outer layer of stem, snap off the tough outer leaves from the base, remove dark green areas of the base.
3. Cut artichokes in quarters and remove the choke and small purple leaves.
4. Add trimmed and quartered artichokes to the pot of water, cover, and simmer over medium heat until tender, about 45 minutes; drain and set aside to let cool.
5. In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, parsley, basil, mint, minced garlic, lemon peel, capers, cubed bread, and tomatoes, tossing to coat; season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Get two large serving platters and arrange the cooked and cooled artichokes cut-side-up.
7. Place a spoonful of the tomato stuffing in the middle of each artichoke quarter, drizzle with olive oil, garnish with the parsley sprigs, and serve.