Steamed Artichokes
Steamed Artichokes is the easiest method to prepare these leafy, spiky vegetables. The soft undersides of each bracts, the artichoke bottom and the stem are the edible parts but it is that sweet, tender heart that we are really after! Serve with mayonnaise or your favorite dip.
Servings: 3 -6
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3-4 artichokes washed and trimmed
- 2 lemons
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Rinse the artichokes under cold running tap water while brushing with a soft vegetable brush.
- Slice off the stem even with the base. Lay the artichoke on its side and using a serrated knife to cut off about ½ inch of the top, then rub the cut area with half a lemon.
- Use kitchen scissors to trim off ¼-inch of each leaf. (This is an optional step).
- Add 1-½ to 2 inches of water to a large, deep pot. Squeeze the juice of a lemon into the water and toss in some garlic cloves and bay leaves.
- Place a steamer basket into the pot and bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
- Arrange the artichokes, stem up, in the steamer basket. Cover the pot and steam for 25 to 35 minutes until the artichokes are tender. Check for doneness by sticking the tip of a sharp knife into the stem. If there is little or no resistance, they are ready to eat.
- Remove the pot from the heat and transfer the artichokes to a serving plate using tongs or paper towels.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce
Video
Notes
- Choose heavy, brightly colored artichokes with tightly closed leaves. Use a serrated knife to slice off the top of the artichoke
- Dipping sauce options: Mayonnaise, Garlic Butter Sauce, Tarragon Mayonnaise, Lemon-Dill Aioli, Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette
- Use your teeth to scrape off the good stuff from each leaf and when you get to the center use a spoon to remove the fuzzy portion. Then enjoy the heart.
- When serving, provide a bowl to discard the leaves after eating the good part.
- An artichoke can be eaten hot or cold.
Nutrition
Serving: 1/2 of an artichoke | Calories: 51kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Sodium: 1106mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g
