Hot Crab and Artichoke Dip

Recipe by: Ruth Reichl | from The Gourmet Cookbook

Cookstr

Course: Hors D'oeuvre

Total Time: Under 1 Hour

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Moderate

Photo by: Romulo Yanes

Yield: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 (9-ounce) package frozen artichoke hearts
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups half and half
3 scallions, thinly sliced
2 ounces finely grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup)
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons minced drained pickled jalapeño chiles
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
3/4 pound jumbo lump crabmeat, picked over

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Cook artichoke hearts according to package instructions, then drain well and finely chop. Cook bell pepper in 1 tablespoon butter in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in artichokes and transfer mixture to a bowl.

Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in saucepan over moderately low heat, then add flour and cook roux, stirring, 3 minutes. Add half-and-half in a stream, whisking, and bring to a boil, whisking. Reduce heat and simmer, whisking, 3 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in artichoke mixture, scallions, 1/3 cup parmesan, lemon juice, jalapeños, salt, and celery salt. Gently stir in crab. Transfer to a buttered 1 1/2-quart shallow baking dish and sprinkle with remaining parmesan.

Bake dip in middle of oven until bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm.