Potato Artichoke And Mushroom Stew With Kalamata Olives Recipes

ARTICHOKE, MUSHROOM AND POTATO RAGOûT

Steps:

• Place the mushrooms in a bowl or large Pyrex measuring cup. Bring 2 cups water to a boil, and pour over the mushrooms. Let sit 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare the artichokes. If small, cut in half; quarter if large.
• Place a strainer lined with cheesecloth or paper towels over a bowl, and drain the mushrooms. Squeeze the mushrooms over the strainer to extract liquid, then rinse in several changes of water to rid them of grit. Set aside. Add enough water to the bowl to make 3 cups of soaking liquid.
• Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy casserole or lidded nonstick skillet. Add the onion, and cook, stirring, until tender, about five minutes. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, and cook together, stirring, until fragrant, about one minute. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until it darkens and begins to caramelize in three to five minutes.
• Drain the artichokes, and add with the potatoes. Stir together for another minute, then stir in the wine. Bring to a boil, and cook until most of the liquid is gone. Add the soaking liquid from the mushrooms, the bay leaf, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 40 minutes, until the potatoes and artichokes are tender. Uncover, turn up the heat, and reduce the liquid in the pan to thicken. Remove from the heat, taste and adjust salt and pepper. Stir in a teaspoon or more of fresh lemon juice, if desired, and the parsley. Serve hot or at room temperature.

POTATO SALAD WITH CAPERS, KALAMATA OLIVES AND ARTICHOKE HEARTS

Steps:

• In a large pot of boiling water cook the potatoes until fork tender.
• Drain and set aside to cool. Once cooled, cut up into chunks. If you wish, you can peel the potatoes before cutting up into chunks.
• Add the potatoes to a salad bowl. Pour the vegetable broth over the potatoes and stir gently to coat.
• Add the fresh parsley, kalamata olives, artichokes, olive oil, vinegar, green onion, capers and garlic. Toss. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• To serve warm, allow salad to sit for 30 minutes or chill to serve cold.
• Just before serving, adjust seasonings if necessary.
• Servings are estimated.
• For Vegetarain option omit the chicken broth and use Vegetable broth.