Peel the artichokes back to their pale, light leaves, then halve them and remove
the hairy chokes with a teaspoon. Immerse the artichokes in water with half the
lemon juice, with a heavy lid or heat-resistant dish placed on top of them to
keep them immersed and stop them discolouring.
Start your risotto bianco
and when you begin Stage 3 drop 6 of your prepared artichoke halves into the
simmering stock. Continue cooking the risotto, adding the stock a ladleful at a
time until the rice is half cooked. Slice the remaining artichoke halves very
finely and stir into the risotto. Continue stirring the stock into the rice. At
Stage 4, when the rice is cooked and you add the butter and Parmesan, stir in
the rest of the lemon juice. Take the pan off the heat and check the
seasoning.
Remove the cooked artichokes from the stock pan and toss with
most of the lemon zest, the torn-up mint leaves and a splash of olive oil. Spoon
the risotto on to 4 plates and place the dressed artichokes on top. Drizzle with
any remaining dressing from the bowl and serve sprinkled with extra Parmesan and
the rest of the lemon zest.