STEAMED ARTICHOKE WITH TWO SAUCES

The artichoke is one of the most healing vegetables on this planet. Steamed, it retains most of its nutrients and is a delicious and healing dish. In this recipe, we'll offer you two delicious sauces to enjoy artichokes with: Mustard Maple Syrup Sauce and Zucchini Fresh Green Spice Sauce. The recipe is from the revised and supplemented edition of the book "The Healing Medium" .

Artichokes contain phytochemical compounds that stop the growth of tumors and cysts inside the liver. The liver relies on other chemical compounds found in artichokes for many of its own chemical functions—they work hand in hand to keep the liver's neutralizing, screening, and filtering abilities strong.

Ingredients:

• 4 pcs. artichoke;
• 1 lemon, cut in half.

Mustard and Maple Syrup Sauce:

• 2 tbsp. pure maple syrup ;
• 2 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice;
• 1 tbsp. water (you can also use medicinal broth for a richer taste);
• 1/2 tsp. mustard powder;
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper ;
• 1/2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves;
• 1 tsp finely chopped parsley.

Zucchini Sauce and Fresh Green Spices:

• 1 1/2 cups chopped zucchini;
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice;
• 2 tsp raw honey;
• 1 tsp onion powder;
• 1/2 clove of garlic;
• 3 to 4 tbsp. water (you can also use medicinal broth for a richer taste);
• 1/4 cup fresh green herbs such as dill, parsley, thyme, and/or green onion.

Method of preparation:

To prepare the artichokes, using a knife, carefully cut off the top quarter of each artichoke, as well as the end of each stem. Use scissors to cut off the tips of the artichoke leaves and remove the spines. Immediately rub the whole artichoke with the sliced ​​lemon.

Place a steamer basket in a large pot filled with water up to the level of the basket. Place the prepared artichoke in the basket and cover with the pot lid. Bring to a boil and steam until the artichoke leaves can be removed by gently pulling. This should take about 30-40 minutes depending on the size of the artichoke.

To make the mustard and maple syrup sauce , whisk together all the ingredients in a small bowl. Serve immediately.

To make the Zucchini and Fresh Green Spice Sauce, combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

After the artichokes have cooled slightly, tear off the leaves, dip them in the sauces and bite off the "meat" from the base of each leaf. Then scrape the stem off each artichoke and enjoy the core.

Advices:

For the preparation of the two dips, instead of water, you can use medicinal broth , which will give a richer taste to the sauces. Store-bought vegetable broth is not recommended because it is very difficult to find a product that does not contain fat, salt, natural flavors and/or other harmful ingredients. For added convenience, make a large amount of healing broth ahead of time and freeze it (you can use ice cubes for easier thawing) to have on hand for recipes like this one.

Portion for 1-2 people.