Cook Artichokes
The artichoke is a flower that grows mainly in the Mediterranean region and in California. Artichokes require a bit of preparation before they are cooked, but they contain a lot of flavor and many nutrients. They are full of antioxidants, vitamin C and a good source of potassium, and possibly aid in the prevention of some cancers. Here are a few steps on how to cook artichokes.
Contents
[hide]Steps
Choosing Fresh Artichokes
- Select artichokes that are weighty for their size, have very closed leaves and are a deep green color. If the leaves are open, the artichoke may not be as fresh.
- Buy artichokes throughout the spring for the freshest crop.
Preparing Artichokes
- Prepare a large bowl of cold water and squeeze a couple lemons into it, and then set it aside.
- Rinse your artichokes in cold water to remove any excess dirt or sand.
- Trim the stem of the artichoke, but do not cut off the entire stem because it is edible and flavorful.
- Peel off any small leaves that accumulate near the stem of the artichoke.
- Chop about 1 to 1 1/2 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) off the top of the artichoke, or you can use kitchen shears to trim off the thorny edges of the leaves if you prefer.
- Place the trimmed and cleaned artichokes into the bowl of water to prevent them from discoloration.
Cooking Artichokes
Boiling artichokes
- Boil the artichokes for the most traditional method of cooking them.
- Put a large pot of water on the stove to boil and add salt.
- Drop the artichokes carefully into the pot once the water begins to boil and leave them to cook for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Drain artichokes with the stem up before serving.
Steaming artichokes
- Steam your artichokes for less cooking time and to preserve more of their nutrients.
- Place a couple inches (4 cm) of water into a pot to boil with a steaming basket on top. Add some lemon juice and salt to flavor the water if you prefer.
- Drop the artichokes into the pot once the water begins to boil and steam for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain artichokes with the stem up before serving.
Grilling artichokes
- Grill the artichokes after steaming or boiling them for even more flavor.
- Slice the artichokes in half lengthwise.
- Discard the choke, which is the inedible part of the artichoke just above the heart that looks like a bunch of tiny hair.
- Drizzle or brush the artichoke with olive oil and place it on the grill carefully, turning it once to get color on both sides.
- Finished.
Tips
- Cooked artichokes will last about 1 week in the refrigerator, or several months in the freezer. Do not freeze fresh artichokes; they will only become brown and bitter.
Things You'll Need
- Sharp kitchen knife
- Large bowl
- Lemon juice
- Water
- Salt
- Large pot
- Steaming basket
- Grill
- Olive oil
Related Articles
- Make Grilled Artichokes
- Boil Artichokes
- Make Artichoke Soup
- Make Risotto With Artichokes
- Make Artichoke and Potato Soup
Sources and Citations
- http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_cook_and_eat_an_artichoke/
- http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/blog/091-artichokes/
- http://www.howtocookartichokes.net/how-to-cook-artichokes-boil.html
- http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/Articles/Produce-638/artichokes.aspx
- http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/tips-techniques/how-to-grill-an-artichoke-084026