Tis the season for fresh artichokes and while I typically stick with the hearts in a jar for cooking, I thought this year I might venture out and try the real thing – fresh from the store. Having never cooked them before, I have to say it was definitely an adventure; and one that ended in a tasty conclusion with both my older boys diving into the leaves with reckless abandon. Nicholas, my oldest, thought that it was “way cool” that we were eating flowers for dinner. Alex, my four year old, did the best he could but just couldn’t quite grasp the concept of sliding the artichoke meat off with his teeth and hence he ended up getting more fiber than was probably originally intended to be eaten when consuming fresh artichoke. No matter though, they ate it and enjoyed it which is what matters most.
If you’ve never cooked and eaten fresh artichokes before, you’re in for a treat. And, of course, the best part about eating them is dipping them in the lemony sauce. So let’s get started. First off, you’ll need (obviously!) artichokes. Here’s mine:
I just love how pretty they are. I bought a pack of four from Trader Joes (of course).
The first thing you’re going to want to do is cut about 3/4″ off the top and trim the tail and small leaves at the bottom of the artichoke, like this:
The next step is to get out your steamer bowl for the artichokes and place it in your large skillet filled with 2 to 3 inches of water and a smattering of lemon and garlic. I used about half a lemon cut into quarters and two garlic cloves cut in half.
Cover your skillet, bring your water to a boil and then turn it down to medium low letting the artichokes steam for about 25 minutes or until the leaves release easily. Here’s what they should look like once they’re finished.
While your artichokes are steaming we’ll go ahead and create the dipping sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients Needed:
1 tsp of butter + 2 Tbsp of butter
2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
1/4 Cup of White Wine
1/2 tsp Worcestershire
1/2 tsp Dried Mustard
1/2 Lemon, Juiced
Salt to Taste
Ok, so for the sauce you’ll want to melt your tsp of butter in a small pan on medium heat and cook up your garlic for a minute or two. Then add in the additional 2 Tbsp of butter, wine, Worcestershire, mustard, and lemon. Let it all come together and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add salt if desired.
Ok, that’s it! Pour yourself a small jug of the tangy lemon goodness, grab yourself an artichoke and proceed to enjoy everything it has to offer. In case you aren’t enlightened on the proper way to consume an artichoke, you can find step by step instructions HERE.
oh, I just LOVE artichokes!! so may have to try this recipe, anne
http://www.anniebakes.net
Yummy!!!!!!
I had these decades ago! LOL but so true – and cooking them totally intimidated me. So, instead of letting that failure haunt me, your recipe has given me the courage to give it a try! They were delicious decades ago!
They are so beautiful, but can smell so stinky when cooking!
Oh this is so much simpler than how I prepared them. I am going to have to try this method next time.
Hey guys! It had been awhile since I had had them as well, but I'm glad I gave them a try again; they were delicious! Thanks so much for stopping by!
I've never liked them as a child and could not stand the smell {bring in frown face}.
But after I had my twins EVERYTHING smells divine and I love them. Excellent fiber, Vitamin B & iron sources. I think that's why I love from pregnancy on. My twins took it all 🙂
The Deal Fanatic in me wants to ask you, "Did you use a coupon for that McCormick Seasoning?" That $1/1 was an awesome coupon 🙂
Ok…I feel better
Oh artichokes are my absolute favorite!!!! Thanks for reminding me to pick some up.
Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma What's For Dinner
http://www.mawhats4dinner.com
I made them this weekend! They were fabulous. Just posted pictures on my blog
http://peelmeagrapeblog.blogspot.com/
I followed the link on Sandi's blog here. This looks delicious! Can't wait to try it.