Artichokes with Smoked-Herb Mayonnaise

Ingredients

• 4 large artichokes trimmed
• 2 tablespoons capers chopped
• 3 tablespoons optional: dill chopped
• 10 servings hot sauce 
• 2 teaspoons juice of lemon fresh
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest finely grated
• 1 cup mayonnaise 
• 10 servings pepper freshly ground
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt smoked
• 0.3 teaspoon paprika smoked sweet

Equipment

• bowl
• knife
• whisk
• pot
• steamer basket

Directions

1. Set a steamer basket in a large pot over 1/2 inch of boiling water. Arrange the artichokes, stem side down, in the basket. Cover and steam over moderate heat until a knife easily pierces the stems, about 30 minutes.
2. Transfer the artichokes to a platter.
3. In a bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, dill, capers, lemon zest and juice, salt and paprika.
4. Add a few dashes of hot sauce and season the mayonnaise with pepper.
5. Serve the artichokes warm or lightly chilled with the mayonnaise.