Artichokes with Lemon & Dill

1. Fill a large bowl with cold water. Squeeze the juice of 2 lemons into the water and add the squeezed lemon halves. Snap the dark green outer leaves off the artichokes. Working with one artichoke at a time, use a paring knife to trim the bottom 1/4 inch off the stem. Pare away the fibrous green portion of stem and bottom of artichoke. Rub cut surfaces with remaining lemon halves. With a serrated knife, cut remaining inner leaves off at the ridge just above the heart, exposing the purple choke. With a melon baller or spoon, scoop out the fuzzy choke. Place trimmed artichoke in the lemon water. Repeat with remaining artichokes.

2. Combine 2 cups water and lemon juice in a nonreactive pot wide enough to hold artichokes in a single layer. Drain artichokes and lay them on their sides in the pot. Top with garlic, dill, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer, turning artichokes once, until tender when pierced with a fork, 18 to 20 minutes.

3. With a slotted spoon, transfer artichokes, stems up, to a deep platter. Simmer liquid remaining in pan over medium-high heat until reduced to 1 1/4 cups, about 10 minutes; spoon over artichokes. Let cool to room temperature.

4. To serve, drizzle artichokes with oil and baste with sauce. Garnish with chopped dill and serve with lemon wedges.