Name: Fried Cardoons
Cook time: 1 hr
Total time: 1 day
Yield: Makes 8 (hors d'oeuvre) servings
Ingredients: 2 1/4 pounds cardoons (1 large bunch); About 6 cups vegetable oil; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 2 tablespoons water; 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano; Equipment: a deep-fat thermometer

Image may contain Cutlery Spoon Food Dish Meal and Bowl

Fried CardoonsDitte Isager

Only a culture that loves food could have come up with multiple techniques for cooking the cardoon—this thistle (a cousin of the artichoke that also tastes like one) with the texture of overgrown celery requires meticulous preparation. But the fact that Italians and Italian-Americans alike scour the markets for it come fall is evidence enough that it's worth it. A light coating and deep-frying really enhance the vegetable's subtle flavor.

Cooks' notes:

· Cardoons can be soaked and boiled 1 day ahead, then chilled, covered.
· Cardoons are best when fried just before serving but can be fried up to 4 hours ahead. Reheat on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven, about 15 minutes.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Heavenly Halva Cake

Serve a thick slice for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Vodka Gochujang Pasta

This pasta has some really big energy about it. It’s so extra, it’s the type of thing you should be eating in your bikini while drinking a magnum of rosé, not in Hebden Bridge (or wherever you live), but on a beach on Mykonos.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Kung Pao Cabbage With Tofu

Reliable cabbage is cooked in the punchy sauce and then combined with store-bought baked tofu and roasted cashews for a salad that can also be eaten with rice.

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.