artichoke, cherry, beetroot, edible flowers, spring onion recipes

## 🥗 The "Spring Garden" Artichoke & Beetroot Carpaccio

*A light, elegant appetizer featuring a contrast of pickled, earthy, and floral notes.*

### 🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2)

* **Artichokes:** 4 baby artichokes (or 2 large globe hearts), marinated or freshly poached.

* **Beetroot:** 2 medium beets (one red, one candy-striped/Chioggia if possible).

* **Cherries:** 10–12 fresh cherries, pitted and halved.

* **Spring Onion:** 2 stalks, very thinly sliced on a long diagonal.

* **Edible Flowers:** Violas, nasturtiums, or pansies for color.

* **Dressing:** 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic glaze, squeeze of lemon, flaky sea salt.

* **Optional Crunch:** A few toasted hazelnuts or goat cheese crumbles.

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### 👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Prepare the Beetroot:**

Wrap the beets in foil with a splash of oil and salt. Roast at **200°C** for 45–60 mins until tender. Once cool, peel the skin and slice into paper-thin rounds using a mandoline or a very sharp knife.

**2. The Artichokes:**

If using fresh, boil them in water with lemon until tender. Slice the hearts into quarters. If marinated, simply pat them dry and give them a quick "char" in a hot pan for 1 minute to add a smoky depth.

**3. The Cherry Gastrique (Quick Version):**

Take half of your cherries and muddle them with a splash of balsamic. Let them sit for 10 minutes to create a natural, fruity syrup. Keep the other half fresh for texture.

**4. The Spring Onion "Curls":**

Place your sliced spring onions in a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes. They will curl up into beautiful, architectural shapes that add height to the plate.

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### 🍽️ Plating Art Style: "The Floral Mosaic"

1. **The Canvas:** Lay the **thin beetroot slices** in a slightly overlapping circle or a "swirled" pattern across the plate.

2. **The Structure:** Nest the **artichoke quarters** and **cherry halves** randomly across the beetroot.

3. **The Height:** Scatter the **spring onion curls** over the top to provide volume.

4. **The Finish:** Drizzle the **cherry-balsamic syrup** and olive oil in small dots.

5. **The Bloom:** Place the **edible flowers** in the gaps—aim for a "wild meadow" look rather than a symmetrical pattern.