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Artichokes: Squeeze juice from 2 lemon halves into a large bowl; add in lemon halves.
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Fill bowl with water.
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To prepare an artichoke for cooking, first cut off the stem.
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Starting at the base of the artichoke, bend the tough dark green outer leaves back and snap them off where they break naturally: continue till all of the outer leaves have been removed, leaving a cone of tender pale green leaves.
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Using a small sharp knife, trim the outside edge of the base of the artichoke till it is smooth.
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Rub the trimmed edge with 1 of the remaining lemon halves.
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Cut artichoke lengthwise into quarters.
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Rub the cut sides of these quarters with lemon to prevent any discoloration.
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Using the small knife, carefully cut out the hairy choke and the spiky purple-tipped leaves from each artichoke quarter.
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Rub each cut area with lemon.
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Trim the tougher leaf tops from each quarter so which all which remains is the choicest, most tender portion of the artichoke.
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Cut quarter into two wedges.
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Places wedges into the lemon water.
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Repeat with the remaining artichokes.
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Bring the chicken broth, extra virgin olive oil and bay leaf to a boil in a heavy large pot (don't use aluminum or possibly cast iron).
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Drain artichokes; add in to pot.
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Return to boil.
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Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer till artichokes are tender, about 20 min.
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Using slotted spoon, transfer artichokes to medium bowl.
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Reserve 1 c. cooking liquid in small bowl.
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Stew: Place potatoes, salt, bay leaf, 1/2 tsp.
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mustard seeds and celery seeds in large saucepan.
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Pour in sufficient cool water to cover potatoes generously.
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Boil till potatoes are tender, about 20 min.
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Drain.
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Cold 15 min; peel.
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Stir saffron in heavy large pot over medium-low heat till fragrant, about 2 min.
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Add in reserved 1 c. cooking liquid; bring to simmer.
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Add in artichokes, potatoes, mussels, shallots, butter and 3/4 tsp.
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mustard seeds.
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Bring to boil.
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Cover pot; cook till mussels open and potatoes are golden brown, about 8 min.
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(Throw away any unopened mussels.)
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Fold in green onions.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Divide stew among 6 shallow soup bowls.
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Sprinkle with chives and serve.