This recipe was originally published as part of our 2012 Valentine's Day menu in Tasting Table National.
Jerusalem Artichokes with Ketchup
Recipe adapted from The Art of Living According to Joe Beef by Frédéric Morin, David McMillan and Meredith Erickson (Ten Speed)
Yield: 2 to 4 servings
Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Ingredients
2 tablespoons rendered chicken fat, unsalted butter or olive oil
8 large Jerusalem artichokes
3 tablespoons water
Big handful of coarse salt
Pretzel salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Leaves from 3 sprigs of thyme
Ketchup, for serving
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Smear the chicken fat, butter or olive oil onto a rimmed, nonstick baking sheet.
2. Place the artichokes in a large, heavy-duty lock-top plastic bag and add the water to the bag. Add the coarse salt, seal the bag and shake well. Open the bag and rinse the artichokes thoroughly. (This is a great way to clean Jerusalem artichokes. It removes dirt and debris better than your hands would.)
3. Cut the artichokes in half lengthwise and arrange them, cut side down, in a single layer on the prepared pan. Season them generously with the pretzel salt and pepper. Scatter the thyme leaves evenly over the top.
4. Place the artichokes in the oven and cook for 45 minutes. Turn the artichokes and cook for another 30 minutes or until browned and slightly shriveled.
5. Take the artichokes out of the oven, let cool and serve with ketchup.