Recipe: Artichoke and green garlic gratin

Total time: About 1 1/2 hours

Servings: 4 to 5

Note: You can substitute asparagus for the artichoke: Use 1 1/2 pounds of asparagus, trimmed and blanched; omit the garlic and otherwise follow the artichoke recipe.

6 extra-large or 8 large artichokes

Juice of 2 large lemons, divided

Salt

2 tablespoons butter plus extra for the pan

2 to 3 stalks green garlic, trimmed and thinly sliced

2 tablespoons flour

3/4 cup whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons panko

1 teaspoon chopped flat-leaf parsley

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

1. Trim the artichokes down to the hearts: Using a sharp knife, cut away the tough outer leaves until you see only light green at the base. Cut away about the top half-inch of the artichoke tip. Trim away the very tip of the stem, then peel the stem and base of the artichoke; there should be no dark green tough spots left, only pale green and ivory. (If there is a fuzzy choke inside, cut just below the choke to the base of the leaves and the choke will pop off, leaving a clean heart below.) Place the artichoke hearts in a large bowl of cold water with the juice of 1 lemon as you work.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the juice of the second lemon. Add the artichokes and cook until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

3. While the artichokes cook, heat the oven to 375 degrees. Butter a large gratin dish, about 11 1/2 by 8 inches.

4. Drain the cooked artichoke hearts well and cut into 6 equal wedges lengthwise. Arrange in the dish in a single layer.

5. Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the garlic and saute 1 to 2 minutes, then whisk in the flour. Cook until bubbly. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and is smooth. Blend in the cream and heat through, then add the mustard. Season with three-eighths teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper, or to taste.

6. Pour the sauce evenly over the artichoke hearts. Combine the panko, parsley and cheese and sprinkle evenly over the top. Bake until the mixture is bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

Each of 5 servings: 301 calories; 11 grams protein; 33 grams carbohydrates; 13 grams fiber; 16 grams fat; 10 grams saturated fat; 51 mg. cholesterol; 358 mg. sodium.