I have to admit that the question, “how do you cook artichokes”, is a very popular one. Artichokes are a vegetable I often just walk past in the supermarket, preferring to grab snow peas, green beans or the ubiquitous broccoli. But then every time I walked past I though to myself, “how do you cook artichokes?” I mean, it can’t be that hard! How do I cook artichokes like a pro?
Well this is what led into my artichoke-cooking research, and this is what I found.
First of all what is an artichoke? Well this delicious and nutritious ingredient is the bud of a thistle. Oh yes, it’s a flower not a vegetable. The leaves cover the ‘choke’ which goes on top of the ‘heart’ of the plant. Interesting info and a nice insight into easy artichoke recipes and what they may involve.
Yes you can eat artichoke heart too but the choke is tasty as long as you’re eating baby artichokes. It’s too tough to eat if you’re dealing with a regular artichoke. Every leaf except the inside ones is tender and you scrape them with your teeth to remove the tasty, tender bits. Once you know the answer to ‘how do you cook artichokes’ you will find this is a simple and affordable weeknight staple!
Table of Contents
How to Cook an Artichoke
How to Cook an ArtichokeThis vegetable may be baked, braised, grilled, steamed or stuffed. Steaming them is often preferred because this method yields an amazing flavor and texture. You will need to select heavy-feeling artichokes. If you pick one up and it’s light then put it back because it’s probably dried out. Squeeze it to check the leaves squeak (another positive sign of freshness).
If the leaves are splayed open it’s probably old. They should instead be separated a little. The artichoke, or ‘flower bud’, is old if the leaves are splayed too open, just like any other flower. If it looks frost-burned don’t worry – that is usually fine and makes no difference to the end flavor.
How Do You Cook Artichokes: Steamed Artichokes Recipe
How Do You Cook Artichokes: Steamed Artichokes RecipeYou will need 1 or 2 globe artichokes, a couple halved garlic cloves, a lemon slice and bay leaf. Trim the artichoke leaves and slice about 3/4 inch (2cm) off the top. Discard small leaves at the bottom and throw out excess stem, leaving an inch (2.5cm) on there. Rinse in cold water, opening the leaves out so they rinse nicely.
Add 2 inches (5cm) water to a pot and add garlic, lemon and the bay leaf. Now add a steaming basket and then add the prepared artichokes. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the outer leaves come off with a light pull. If you want to use a pressure cooker they’ll take 5-15 minutes at high pressure depending on size and age). Try them with a delicious steak recipe or tasty chicken dish tonight.
Photos from Pixabay.com
How Do You Cook Artichokes and Eat Them?
How do you cook artichokes? Not so difficult. But how do you eat them? Well that’s another story. Artichokes may be eaten hot, warm or cold, alone or with a dip, perhaps mayo or melted butter. Try a little balsamic in butter or mayo – so good!
Pull the leaves off to dip them then put the light end between your teeth, dip side down, pulling them between the teeth to get the pulp. You can cut the artichoke heart into pieces and eat it with vinaigrette or melted butter.
So now you can answer both ‘how do you cook artichokes’ and how do you eat this delicious and mouthwatering veggie, and you know as much as a pro chef! Bon appetit, all!
PrintEasy Hot Artichoke Dip Recipe
This rich, creamy artichoke dip is the perfect addition to potato, tortilla or corn chips. Try it with baguette or ciabatta slices, chips, sliced veggies, crackers or crostini. An effective crowd pleaser.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Dip
Ingredients
- 8 oz or 1 cup (225g) softened cream cheese
- 1 cup (250ml) mayonnaise
- 14 oz (400g) freshly cooked or canned chopped artichoke hearts
- Small handful freshly grated parmesan
- 1 cup (large handful) shredded mozzarella
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper
- Dash of hot sauce
- 2 thinly sliced green onions (spring onions)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Using an electric mixer, combine the cream cheese with the mayo, artichoke hearts, cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, hot sauce, and green onions.
- When well mixed, transfer to a shallow dish.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown, then serve with nice crunchy things for dipping.
For a zestier version, you might like to try our zesty artichoke dip here. You might also like this tuna artichoke recipe.
Can You Microwave Artichoke?
If you are pressed for time and you want to know how do you cook artichokes in a rush, here is our microwave method. Put a prepared artichoke in a glass bowl upside down and add 1/4 cup (30ml) water and 1/2 teaspoon each olive oil and lemon juice.
Cover with plastic rap and cook for 6 minutes on high. If you can sink a toothpick or small fork into the base easily (like a baked potato) it’s done. Else give it another minute and repeat. Let it stand for 5 minutes then serve.
