Thanks to Melissa’s Produce for supplying Purple Artichokes for this recipe.
Now that we are spending more time at home, we are making time to learn new things in the kitchen. Let’s talk artichokes! I’ve always walked past them in the produce department. I figured they were hard to prepare. But, through conversations with friends, I learned they are quite easy!
You don’t have a steamer? Neither do I! I did some research and I learned that artichokes can be steamed in the microwave. Melissa’s Produce sent over fresh whole purple artichokes and I decided to give them a chance. I’ve had artichoke hearts in a salad from my favorite pizzeria and never thought preparing an artichoke was this easy!
Lets do this! First I prepared the liquid. I poured 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of olive oil into a microwave safe bowl. Put aside. Now let’s work on the artichoke. Cut off a 1/4 inch of the stem’s and also trim off the sides of the stalk. Then pull off some of the smaller leaves near the stem. I cut off the top of the artichoke before I cut the artichoke vertically in half. I also didn’t cut off the thorny part of each life. I rubbed the artichokes with lemon to keep them from browning. Once done, place the halves down into the dish. I sprinkled salt and pepper and also squeezed fresh lemon juice over the artichoke halves.
Securely place plastic wrap over the bowl. Then microwave on high for 5 minutes. After heating, check the leaves. It’s ready when the leaves pull out easily. Or check by poking a knife into the stem. Does the knife cut through without resistance? If not, then continue to cook in the microwave for another 2 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the microwave. I let them sit in the dish for another 2 minutes.
I pulled off the leaves one by one, sprinkled with a little salt and dipped into melted butter. Yum! They are addictive! And easy to prepare. If you reach the center, there will be prickly leaves. Don’t eat them! I didn’t actually go beyond this point. I will tackle the hearts another day!!
How to eat it: Pull off a leaf, dip and scrape off the meat with your front teeth. Next time I will experiment with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Artichokes are packed with nutrients! And I read they promote liver and heart health.
Ingredients
1 Purple Artichoke
1 Cup of Water
1/2 cup of Olive Oil
Lemon
Salt and Pepper for seasoning
Butter (I use Earth Balance)
Looking for other fun recipes to try out this month? Check out these recipes from my friends!
