Smothered Artichokes

• 12-15 young violet artichokes (these come in bunches with their leaves - usually bunches of five)
• 2-3 tbsp olive oil
• 30

Prepare the artichokes as in the recipes above. Heat a large pan of boiling salted water and blanch them for 2 minutes. Drain well.

Heat the olive oil in a wide sauté pan and add the artichokes. Season them with salt and pepper, cover the pan, turn down the heat and let them cook for 10–12 minutes, turning them from time to time.

When they are tender, remove the lid, throw in th