Fried Artichokes with Lemon Garlic Sauce

There's a restaurant in town that makes great fried artichoke hearts. I figured there had to be a recipe out there somewhere for something similar. This turned out really well. I think I still prefer the ones at the restaurant (let someone else make them!), but I will definitely make these again.

• 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups Italian bread crumbs
• 1 (15 oz) can artichoke hearts, quartered, drained
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups oil for frying

Combine mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice and zest in a small bowl and add salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator while frying the artichokes.

Heat oil in a small skillet to about 350 degrees. 

Whisk egg and milk in a small bowl. Combine Parmesan and bread crumbs in another small bowl. Dip artichoke in egg mixture, coating well, then dip in breadcrumb mixture. 

Fry artichokes 2-3 minutes, or till golden brown. Remove artichokes from skillet and place on a paper towel to drain the excess oil. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with lemon garlic dipping sauce. 

NOTES: I think we used our fryer instead of the skillet. It was a little cleaner than a skillet for the oil. I hate how the oil pops and gets all over the counter. Such a pain to clean up. 

Serves 24

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe from www.tablespoon.com