The presence of artichokes in Liguria (the “Italian Riviera”) is enough to make you envious; they’re everywhere, they’re good, and everyone seems to know what to do with them. Here’s a simple dish, assuming you can get your hands on some good artichoke hearts. This is wonderful with either crusty bread or a simple rice dish, like Rice with Onions, Garlic, and Herbs (page 518). See page 98 for squid cleaning instructions if you need them.

　　

Ingredients

makes 4 servings

　　1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

　　1 tablespoon minced garlic

　　1 1/2 pounds cleaned squid or cuttlefish, cut into pieces

　　Salt and black pepper to taste

　　1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

　　2 anchovy fillets

　　1/2 pound artichoke hearts, sliced 1/4 inch thick

　　1 cup dry white wine

　　

Step 1

Put the oil in a large skillet that can later be covered and place it over medium heat. Add the garlic and, when it sizzles, the squid, along with a large pinch of salt and pepper, a couple of tablespoons of the parsley, and the anchovies. Cook, stirring occasionally, until whatever liquid appears has evaporated.

　　

Step 2

Add the artichokes and some more salt and pepper and stir; add the wine and let it bubble away for a minute. Cover and adjust the heat so the mixture simmers steadily but not violently. Cook until the squid is tender, at least 30 minutes and probably a little longer.

　　

Step 3

Taste and adjust the seasoning, stir in the remaining parsley, and serve.

　　The Best Recipes in the World by Mark Bittman. © 2005 by Mark Bittman. Published by Broadway Books. All Rights Reserved.MARK BITTMAN is the author of the blockbuster The Best Recipes in the World (Broadway, 2005) and the classic bestseller How to Cook Everything, which has sold more than one million copies. He is also the coauthor, with Jean-Georges Vongerichten, of Simple to Spectacular and Jean-Georges: Cooking at Home with a Four-Star Chef. Mr. Bittman is a prolific writer, makes frequent appearances on radio and television, and is the host of The Best Recipes in the World, a 13-part series on public television. He lives in New York and Connecticut.