When cooking with vegetables, using new varieties of vegetables like artichokes helps improve taste and nutrition and break the monotony.

The next time you are bored of your classic salad, try an addition of artichoke. It has a nutty flavor. You can not only use it as a side dish, but you can also create a heavy meal with different elements of artichoke.

There are different artichokes, each with a slightly different taste and feel. Artichokes can also help create textured elements for your dish.

1. Preparing Artichoke

The artichoke is a long-lived thistle that belongs to the Aster family. Its edible blossoms are delicious. It has a soft taste and is nut-like. The center, which is called the heart, is very tender, and the substance has a buttery consistency.

Here, we will learn how you should prepare artichokes for cleaning or roasting and how to cook them.

• Trim out the leaves, leaving around a half inch at the base. Cutting down the stem flush with the bulb base makes it easy to give the artichoke a more appealing look. Remove the wood twigs from the outside and cut an inch apart from the bulb’s base.

• The tops of the leaf can be removed with a kitchen knife. Rinse with hot running water and separate leaves carefully so water can come through.
• If you want to wait a bit to cook the artichokes, place the artichokes in a medium-sized bowl.
• When washing an artichoke, we recommend wearing gloves. Artichokes’ antioxidant content is high; therefore, it easily reacts with oxygen and colors hands.

• A glass of hot water will keep artichokes from browning and will keep them moist and sterile. It also helps reduce the oxidation of olive oil and makes the artichoke bright and green.

Artichokes: Unleashing Antioxidant Riches for Holistic Health

Lisa Richards, Nutritionist at The Candida Diet, offers guidance on incorporating artichokes for balanced meals:

“Artichokes, often underestimated, emerge as an unexpectedly antioxidant-rich food, contributing significantly to overall health. 

Packed with compounds like quercetin, rutin, and anthocyanins, [artichokes] exhibit potent antioxidant properties. These antioxidants combat oxidative stress, neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. 

This protective effect extends to various organs, aiding in [the prevention of] chronic diseases and inflammation. Artichokes also contain cynarin, which supports liver health by promoting bile production, aiding digestion, and facilitating detoxification.

Furthermore, the high fiber content in artichokes promotes gut health and helps [in maintaining] a healthy weight.

Integrating artichokes into the diet adds a flavorful and nutritious dimension, harnessing their unexpected antioxidant richness to fortify the body’s defenses and enhance overall well-being.”

2. How to Cook Artichokes

2.1. How to Cook Artichokes as a Whole

Cooking artichokes is easy. To steam artichokes in the steamer, you need two jars.

Add about 1/2 inch of water into the container and add aromatics such as mint or bay leaf. If you want, add a steamer basket, arrange artichokes on a basket face up & close it. Bring the pot to a boil, then steam till the artichokes soften.

It takes 20-40 minutes, depending on how big an artichoke is. Then, put an old knife through it and check for progress.

2.1.1. Boiling artichokes

• Clean the artichoke.
• Trim the artichoke.
• Boil water and then add one teaspoon of salt to it.
• Add the artichoke to the boiling water.
• It should be completely submerged.
• Cover the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Boiling artichokes takes around 20 to 35 minutes, depending on its size.

2.1.2. Steam artichokes

• Add around 2 inches of water to a pot.
• Place a steamer basket on top.
• Add the artichoke to the pot. Place it on top of the steamer basket.
• Cover the pot.
• Turn the heat to medium-high.
• Let the steam build up in the pot.
• Now start the cooking time.
• It also takes around 20 to 35 minutes, depending on the size.

Boiling artichokes keeps them fresh and tender. Steamed artichokes might look a little decolored or pale.

2.2. Is it Better to Boil or Bake Artichokes?

It depends on what suits your taste, palate, and textural preference. Boiling artichokes leads to a tender artichoke heart. It stays its original fresh color, and you can season it according to your preference. You can also make its silky puree as a base to lay on your piece of cooked meat.

Baked artichokes tend to make it dry. The texture is a little dry, sometimes crunchy. This can be used in different types of dishes like a side dish or a salad or eaten along with a sauce.

3. Some Artichoke Recipes

3.1. Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes

1. Pressure cooking artichokes requires proper preparation of vegetables before cooking. Immediately remove the outer layer from the artichokes and remove the first leaves.
2. Cut up the top of the artichoke stem. It will then be placed into the Instant Pot.
3. Put the artichoke pieces upside down in a wire basket.
4. Pour water into artichoke hearts and in the instant pot.
5. Cover and secure the lid for sealing. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Cooked artichoke is creamy with a slightly nutty and sweet flavor.

• Cook Time: 30min.
• Total time: 40 min.
• Cals. 125 Kcal Steamer.

3.2. Artichoke Soup

1. Chop vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, artichokes, and any other vegetables you like.
2. Boil and cook the vegetables properly.
3. In the same pot, add some vegetable or meat stock, depending on your preference.
4. Keep stirring. Add seasonings.
5. Add cornflour and water or other thickeners.
6. Keep stirring to avoid lumps.
7. Your super easy, delicious, and quick artichoke soup will be then ready to be served.

Cut down the stem and place the artichoke pieces completely in the middle of the ground. Cook well with warm water. Time takes 15-30 seconds depending on the thickness or freshness of the artichoke, so be cautious from 15 min to 30 min.

Knowing if a leaf can be easily pulled from its center is a good test. Try artichoke with Grilled Moroccan Cauliflower Chickpea burgers and Grilled Adobo Chicken burgers. Grill it, bake it, and turn it into a delicious dip. You can make artichoke pasta or fry it for a crunch. Artichoke goes well with dairy, produce, herbs, and spices. You can also make an artichoke soup.

Mastering Artichokes: Elevating Flavor and Culinary Mastery

Jonnathan Josias from the Pearl Lemon Catering Group shares their experiences and tips for preserving artichoke flavor and enhancing their nutty taste:

“Artichokes, with their unique flavor and texture, are a delightful addition to any culinary creation, and mastering their preparation can truly elevate your dishes.

Optimal Cooking Method:

Steaming is highly effective in preserving the artichoke’s natural flavor and texture. This method allows the artichoke to cook gently, maintaining its integrity and the subtlety of its nutty taste.

Avoid overcooking, as it can make the artichoke mushy and lose its distinctive flavor.

Enhancing the Nutty Flavor

To enhance the artichoke’s natural nutty taste, consider the following tips:

1. Seasoning: Before steaming, brush the artichokes with [a mix of] olive oil, garlic, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. This [not only] adds depth to the flavor [but also] complements the artichoke’s natural taste.
2. Lemon Bath: Soaking cut artichokes in lemon water before cooking can accentuate their flavor. The lemon’s acidity subtly enhances the artichoke’s taste profile.
3. Browning: After steaming, you can briefly grill or broil the artichokes to add a smoky dimension and enhance their nuttiness.

Preserving Nutritional Value:

As nutritionists often suggest, steaming helps retain the artichokes’ nutritional content, including fiber and antioxidants. Avoid boiling, as it can lead to a significant loss of nutrients.

Scientific Approach

From a food science perspective, cooking artichokes at a steady, moderate temperature helps preserve [their flavor] compounds and maintain texture.

Culinary Variations

For those interested in vegetarian or Mediterranean cuisines, incorporating artichokes into dishes like salads and pasta or as a standalone dish with a dipping sauce can be delightful.”

4. Common Questions about Cooking Artichokes

4.1. Are artichokes edible when cooked?

Yes, artichokes are edible and delicious when cooked properly. Artichokes can be baked on the stove if you do not use Instant Pots. The same steps must be done when you remove the leaf. Instead of using the instant pot, wrap the artichoke with foil and place it in a 400-degree oven.

4.2. What are some good options when buying Artichoke?

The best artichoke for Instant Pot should be of a mild green hue. Some dark spots on artichokes are normal, but don’t purchase if purple marks are present.

5. Bottom Line

Artichokes are delicious and earthy vegetables. They have a nutty flavor with tightly packed leaves. They are very versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes to suit your every taste and texture.

Artichokes can be used as a side dish. You can add it to a salad or make an artichoke dipping sauce. You can roast artichokes or bake them. You can steam and boil them. You can eat it freshly boiled or turn it into soup or a complex dish. Or you can even puree it to pair with meat. Artichokes are super easy and amazing when cooked properly.

So, learn how to cook and eat artichokes and try it at home or wherever you like today!

Guest Author: Saket Kumar

Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology