Pasta

These artichokes are as fun to eat as they are delicious. This recipe is lower in fat, too!

Ingredients:

• 4 large California artichokes
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 cup couscous
• 1/4 cup currants
• 1/2 cup green onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted and chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel, grated
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions:

1. Wash artichokes. Cut off stems at base and remove small bottom leaves. Stand artichokes upright in deep saucepan large enough to hold snugly. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 2-3 inches boiling water. Cover and boil gently 35-40 minutes, or until base can be pierced easily with fork. (Add a little more boiling water, if needed.) Turn artichokes upside down to drain. Carefully remove center petals and fuzzy centers with a spoon and discard. Keep warm or chill as desired.
2. In medium saucepan combine chicken broth, curry powder, cumin and garlic salt; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; stir in couscous and currants. Cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork. Stir in green onion and almonds. Combine lemon peel, lemon juice and vegetable oil; stir into couscous.
3. Gently spread artichoke leaves until center is revealed. With a spoon, scrape out any remaining purple-tipped leaves and fuzz. Fill centers of artichokes with couscous mixture. Serve with plain yogurt, if desired. Makes 4 generous servings.