Name: Slow-Cooker Warm Marinated Artichoke Hearts
Total time: 2 h
Ingredients: 3 cups jarred whole baby artichokes packed in water , halved, rinsed, and patted dry; 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives , halved; 3 garlic cloves , peeled and smashed; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 3/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons juice; Salt and pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 4 ounces feta cheese , cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 cup)

Why This Recipe Works

Marinated artichoke hearts are a classic antipasto, but when flavored with little more than oil and garlic they can be boring and one-dimensional. We wanted to revive this dish by using the gentle heat of the slow cooker to infuse the artichokes with deep, complex flavor. Fresh artichokes are not always readily available and can be a hassle to prepare for cooking, so we started with jarred artichoke hearts. Available year-round, they come fully prepped right out of the jar; we simply needed to halve and rinse them and then pat them dry before tossing them in the slow cooker. To flavor the basic marinade, we added some bright lemon zest and juice, red pepper flakes, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme along with the requisite olive oil and garlic. Briny kalamata olives and rich, tangy feta cheese fit in nicely with the Mediterranean theme; we simply stirred the cheese in at the end of cooking to ensure that the cubes wouldn't lose their shape.

Before You Begin

While we prefer the flavor and texture of jarred whole baby artichokes, you can substitute 18 ounces frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and patted dry, for the jarred. Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the infused oil.

Instructions

1. Combine artichokes, oil, olives, garlic, thyme sprigs, lemon zest and juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper flakes in slow cooker. Cover and cook until heated through and flavors meld, 1 to 2 hours on low.

Discard thyme sprigs. Gently stir in feta and let sit until heated through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature. (Marinated artichokes can be held on warm or low setting for up to 2 hours.)