Recipe of the day - 3/30 - Artichoke Dip with Fennel Crudites
 

Artichoke Dip with Fennel Crudites

a 14- to 16-ounce can whole artichoke hearts, rinsed well, drained, and patted dry
1/4 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced and mashed to a paste with 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brine-cured green olives such as picholine, pitted and chopped
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves


Garnish: fresh parsley sprigs
Accompaniment: 2 medium fennel bulbs (sometimes called anise), stalks trimmed flush with bulbs and bulbs cut lengthwise into strips or triangles for dipping

In a food processor purée artichoke hearts with oil until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Transfer purée to a bowl and stir in garlic paste, olives, and salt and pepper to taste. Chill dip, covered, at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours. Stir chopped parsley into dip and garnish with parsley sprigs.

Serve dip with fennel.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups.