Salads and Vegetables: Vegetable Dishes: Basic Artichoke Preparation

Don't know how to prepare and cook an artichoke? Try this basic instructional recipe.

Author: California Artichoke Advisory Board
Date: January 17, 2006

Serves: 1 person(s)
Yield: 1 x artichoke (60 g/2.1ounce edible portion)

Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

1 fresh California artichoke
1/2 tsp lemon juice (microwave cooking)
1/2 tsp oil (microwave cooking)

Directions:

BASIC PREPARATION:

Wash artichokes under cold running water.

Pull off lower petals which are small or discolored.

Cut stems close to base (use stainless knives to prevent discoloration).

Cut off top quarter and tips of petals, if desired (generally, some people like the look of clipped petals, but it really isn't necessary to remove the thorns. They soften with cooking and pose no threat to diners).

Plunge into acidified water to preserve color (1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice per quart of water).

COOKING ARTICHOKES:

BOIL: Stand prepared artichoke in deep saucepan or pot with 3 inches boiling water (if desired, oil, lemon juice and seasonings can be added to cooking water). Cover and boil gently 25 to 40 minutes, depending on size, or until petal near the center pulls out easily. Stand artichoke upside down on a rack to drain.

STEAM: Place prepared artichoke in a large vegetable steamer or place on a rack above an inch or two of boiling water. Cover and steam 25 to 45 minutes, depending on size, or until a petal near the center pulls out easily.

Microwave Directions:

Set one medium-sized prepared artichoke upside down in a small glass bowl (a 2 cup measure will do) with 1/4 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon each lemon juice and oil. Cover with plastic wrap. Cook on high 6 to 7 minutes. Let stand covered 5 minutes after cooking.

Variations:

ARTICHOKE STEMS: The trimmed artichoke stems are edible. Cut brown end about 1/2-inch. Peel fibrous outer layer to reach tender green of stem. Stem may be steamed whole with the artichoke. Can cut into rounds or julienne and used in salads or pastas.

Related Recipes:

Patio Artichoke Supper