In this step-by-step guide, we walk you through everything you need to know, from how to choose and cut an artichoke to how to prevent browning and how to eat one (including two delicious sauce options for dipping!). Just 1 pot and an artichoke stand between you and becoming an artichoke pro! Let’s do this!
Artichokes 101 + Health Benefits
Artichokes are beautiful flower buds that come from a type of thistle. They thrive in climates where it’s warm, sunny, and temperate, like California, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. They’re in season beginning in March through early summer and also have a brief season in the fall. Artichokes have been enjoyed for centuries for both their taste and health benefits. They’re rich in a type of fiber called inulin that feeds healthy gut bacteria. They also supply folate, vitamin K, magnesium, vitamin C, phosphorous, and a variety of phenolic compounds (meaning they’re antioxidant-packed!). And in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, they were used as a digestive aid for liver and gallbladder health.
How to Cook an Artichoke
Artichokes can be grilled, roasted, boiled, or steamed, but we’ve found steaming to be the easiest and most approachable method.
Step 1: Choosing an Artichoke
Once you’ve decided you’re ready to brave the mighty artichoke (it’s easier than it looks, we promise!), you’ll want to choose fresh artichokes. When choosing an artichoke, try to make sure it has a tightly closed bud, feels heavy, and is mostly green without much browning or bruising.
Step 2: Prep It
You’ll want to cut off and discard the top third of the artichoke (~1 inch). Using a large serrated knife works best because it is tough (use a motion similar to what you would do to cut through a loaf of thick, rustic bread).
Step 3: Preventing Browning
Then rub the artichoke with lemon to prevent it from browning.
Step 4: Steam the Artichokes
Add a few inches of water to a large pot and bring it to a boil. Place the artichokes in a steamer basket over the water and steam for 25-35 minutes. Smaller artichokes will take ~25 minutes to cook and large ones will take ~35 minutes. You may need to add more water to avoid scorching the pot. Once the time is up, you can transfer the artichokes to a plate and let them cool slightly. You’ll know they’re done cooking when the petals slide out easily when pulled.
Artichoke Dipping Sauces
Artichokes are delicious paired with anything rich and lemony! After much testing, we found two sauces to be our favorites:
How to Eat an Artichoke
Place the artichokes on serving plates with one or both of the sauces nearby. Starting from the outside of the artichokes:
Where is the Artichoke Heart?
Eventually you’ll begin pulling petals with pink on them and without much edible flesh. This means you’re getting close to the artichoke heart (the tender center — so yummy!). You’ll then see something that looks like a bunch of hairy fibers. It’s called the choke, and we’re thinking that name isn’t a coincidence (ahem, lesson learned). The choke is very fibrous and inedible. Use a spoon to scoop away the choke and you’ll be left with the tender, buttery artichoke heart perfect for slicing and drizzling with any remaining sauce. We hope you find this guide to artichokes helpful! Artichokes are:TenderNuttyDip-ableFiber-packedVersatile& Surprisingly easy to prepare! They make a beautiful starter before a meal or as a side with our Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup, Creamy Vegan White Pasta with Summer Vegetables, Lemon Baked Salmon With Garlic Dill Sauce, or Lemon & Herb Roasted Chicken.
More Helpful How-Tos
How to Make Kale Taste Good (Guide + Recipes) How to Stock Your Pantry (Beginner’s Guide) Plantains 101: Perfectly Roasted Every Time! How to Cut Butternut Squash
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
