Roasted artichokes with feta and fresh thyme

Preparation time: 20 min

Cooking time: 40 min

• 4 artichokes
• 1 shallot
• 100 g feta cheese
• 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh thyme
• 1 tsp sesame seeds or Za’atar (Lebanese spice blend)
• Homemade mustard vinaigrette
• High-quality salt, pepper

1. Start by washing the artichokes. Rinse them in clear water and dry with a clean cloth. Remove the small leaves and first petals, as well as the stringy part of the stem. Immediately rub with a slice of lemon to stop the artichokes from oxidising. Blanch in salted boiling water for 10 min. Drain and cut in half.

2. Prepare the sauce. Mix the 3 tbsp of olive oil with the salt, pepper, fresh thyme and juice of half a lemon, and coat the artichokes with the sauce. Place in an oven dish. Add a few slices of lemon. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds or Za’atar. Cover with greaseproof paper to prevent the artichokes from drying out. Bake in the oven at 180°C for 30 min.

3. After removing from the oven, sprinkle with the feta, cut some shallot rings and serve immediately as a starter with some homemade Dijon mustard vinaigrette.