Grilled Artichokes 

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Serves: 8 person(s)

Preparation Time: 30 mins
Cooking Time: 25 mins
Extra Time: 1 hr (or overnight, for marinating)

Yield: 8 x ½ artichokes

A slightly smoky taste compliments the nuttiness of the artichoke and no butter or dip is necessary!
Per serving: 126 calories and 7g fat
Saves: 153 calories and 16g fat over butter-dipped artichokes!

Suggestions:

This recipe is perfect for the 'lazy' cook, since all preparation can be done the previous day.

Ingredients:

Artichokes are traditionally served with melted butter, making it all too easy to lap up oodles of extra calories and fat. This recipe lowers the calories by decreasing the serving size and replacing the butter with a light marinating sauce.

To learn more about recipe makeovers see CalorieKing's library article "Smart Substitutes: Your Guide to Low-Calorie Cooking Alternatives".

Recipe Makeover
4 large artichokes 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup soy sauce, low-sodium 1 Tbsp minced ginger 1/4 cup olive oil

Traditional Recipe
8 large artichokes 1 cup butter, melted

Directions:

Slice artichoke tops off, crosswise. Trim stems.

Boil or steam artichokes until bottoms pierce easily, or a petal pulls off easily.

Drain artichokes. Cool. Cut each artichoke in half lengthwise and scrape out fuzzy center and any purple tipped petals.

Mix remaining ingredients in a large plastic bag. Place artichokes in the bag and coat all sides of the artichokes. For best flavor marinate in the mixture overnight in the refrigerator, but should marinate at least one hour.

Drain artichokes. Place cut side down on a grill over a solid bed of medium coals or gas grill on medium. Grill until lightly browned on the cut side, 5 to 7 minutes. Turn artichokes over and drizzle some of the remaining marinade over the artichokes. Grill until petal tips are lightly charred, 3 to 4 minutes more.

Serve hot or room temperature.

Author:

Grilled Artichokes courtesy of California Artichoke Advisory Board
CA Artichoke Advisory Board