Artichokes. The beautiful yet intimidating vegetable. A vegetable Dana and I both thoroughly enjoy but don’t eat too often. Most of the time it’s just because we forget about them, but also because they are some work to prepare and eat.
So let’s talk about the preparation shall we?
How to Steam an Artichoke
Step 1: Fill large pot with two inches of water. Add lemon juice to flavor the water if you wish. 
Step 2: Place the steaming basket on top of the water.
Step 3: Pull off some of the small bottom leaves. Use scissors to to snip off sharp ends of the leaves (optional). Use a knife to cut off the bottom stem leaving just one inch of stem as well as about 3/4 of an inch off of the top of the artichoke. Sorry this is a long step.
Step 4: Rinse the artichokes and place on top of steaming basket in the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a boil.
Step 5: Reduce to simmer and let simmer for 30-45 minutes (depending on the size of the artichoke). You can test if it is done by pulling off one of the outer leaves. If it is easy to pull off, it is probably done. Remove from pot and get ready to eat!
How to Eat an Artichoke
Step 1: Pull off a leaf…
Step 2: Dip the whitish looking end in melted butter, salt or mayo (I prefer straight up salt).
Step 3: Use top or bottom teeth to pull the artichoke meat off of the leaf. Dana prefers to use his bottom teeth, I prefer my top. Probably because I have a permanent retainer in the bottom of my mouth (fun fact :smile:). Throw away the petal when done.
Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 until you get down to the core. Don’t eat the spiky things.
Step 5: Use a knife to cut off the spiky part of the artichoke.
And you are left with the heart! The best part of the artichoke. I realize this photo below is far from appetizing but I promise you it is delicious. It is buttery and meaty and tender. It’s worth all of the effort of eating through the artichoke leaves! I cut mine into pieces and dip in butter or salt.
So yes, they do require a bit of work, but they are worth it. Besides their delicious flavor, they are also a source of folate, fiber, vitamins C and K, and are an incredible antioxidant to boot!
Don’t be shy! The beautiful artichoke is waiting for you!!!
This is a great tutorial! I love artichokes, but was always definitely intimidated to make them myself. You make it seem so easy, now I really need to give it a try.
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat recently posted…WIAW #34 – Spinach Artichoke Quinoa Casserole
That does look like a lot of work hahaha!
Jackie recently posted…WIAW!
I grilled artichokes this fall and loved it! (it still requires some boiling to start) I think this is a great meal for close friends/family, but can be a little awkward if you’re with people you don’t know well.
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Hahahha it’s serious business!
I love this post – mostly because of the fun pics of Dana being so serious while eating his artichoke!
Katie @ running4cupcakes recently posted…Weekend Update: 2/23/14
I’ve never prepared an artichoke because they seem so intimidating but your guide makes it seem pretty easy! Thanks for a great guide 🙂
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Those look so good!!!!! I’m going to have to be adventurous and try it sometime!!
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I’ve always been too intimidated to do this myself, so thank you for writing up a post about it!
Danica @ It’s Progression recently posted…thanks for your help!