I’m currently auditioning meals for my birthday dinner. It’s my birthday, and I’ll eat no meat if I want to. Truthfully, I couldn’t care less about meat most of the time. Sure, I get a craving for chicken two or three times a month, and I eat it. I also cook beef once a month. We generally get greasy hamburgers out somewhere once a month, too. Except I haven’t found a decent replacement for In n Out. If one more person tells me that Five Guys is good, I’m going full-blown vegan. It’s not. Moving on.
Artichokes are my one true love in life. The first time I saw an artichoke field in Castroville, I was on my way to work in Salinas. I grew lettuce and celery for USDA field trials out there. I purposefully took the long way to work so I could stare at mounds of frilly artichoke plants with a single thick stalk projecting straight up into the sky. It’s magical, I don’t care who you are. And if that’s not cool enough for you, just know that Marilyn Monroe got her start as the Artichoke Queen at the Castroville Artichoke festival. Now we’re on the same page, aren’t we?
My best friend that I’m always talking about (Esther) taught me how to steam a whole artichoke and dip each leaf in a mustard-butter sauce before scraping the meat off with your teeth. That with a half bottle of Sauv Blanc was my dinner frequently in grad school. Save money on food, spend it on the wine. Hah.
I had a very memorable grilled artichoke on the vegetable platter at Rutherford Grill in Napa. Say what you will about RG, the vegetable plate is still the best thing my Mom and I have ever ordered at a restaurant. In the history of ever.
The smoked paprika mayo dip is so good, that when I get home from the store with a new jar of mayonnaise, I use the entire jar to make the smoked paprika mayo, and then scoop it right back in the same jar for storing. It’s what mayonnaise is meant to be, in my book.
The brown butter risotto is because everyone keeps talking about brown butter. I mean, I love butter, but would I taste the difference in browned butter? Yes, yes, and oh gosh yes. It’s awesome. I poured it all on a big pile of starch, because the beautiful thing about not eating meat is the excuse to eat more carbs. Amen.
This vegetarian risotto is wonderfully creamy and topped with a grilled artichoke.Dinner for Two: Brown Butter Risotto + Grilled Artichokes
Ingredients
Instructions
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 796Total Fat: 55gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 35gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 1346mgCarbohydrates: 59gFiber: 10gSugar: 6gProtein: 15g
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Browned buter, risotto, the artichokes, the smoky mayo, I love every single element! Pinned!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
I love that big chunk of artichoke in the middle of this risotto! Gorgeous!
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
I'm always looking for ways to eat up artichokes, I love them in theory but never really know how to prepare them. And the risotto duo, put me in coach, I'm ready to play!!
Kathryn says
This sounds so decadent and delicious - just right for birthday celebrations!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
When I was younger, I used to beg my grandma to make me artichoke on my birthday. It is truly a magical food, and I'm loving this smokey mayo concept. Gorgeous!
bridget {bake at 350} says
Love everything about this....the brown butter, the smoked paprika, the artichokes! And, TOTALLY AGREE about Five Guys! You just need a Whataburger!
ashley - baker by nature says
This is so gorgeous! C's birthday is tomorrow, so I think I will have to add this to the menu as an app! He looooooves brown butter (and, more importantly, so do I!). Hopefully you find a burger replacement asap!
Ashley says
This meal is BEAUTIFUL!! Can you believe I've never made artichokes at home? I'm scared. Maybe this year... :)
Nicole says
Auditions for birthday dinner, that is SO smart! And steamed artichokes for cheap dinner is genius, too. Man, i could learn a thing or a million from you. This sounds wonderful. I love the sound of that smoked paprika mayo!
Michelle @ Healthy Recipe Ecstasy says
I feel the same way about meat. My husband gets mad if he doesn't get to eat meat every day but I could go without it for a few days and not notice. This looks like the perfect birthday dinner!