Simply Steamed Artichokes

It's artichoke season and I couldn't be happier. Sometimes, the simplest things to make are the best. Steamed artichokes is one of my all-time favorites. It's great for so many reasons: you can make them for just yourself or a crowd, they are very healthy (if you leave out the dipping in butter part... but life's too short as far as I'm concerned), they are quick and can also look impressive. I know this is a very simple recipe, but if you have never done it before, some might be intimidated.

So, below I have posted step by step instructions for steaming an artichoke and how to eat the best part when you are done with the leaves... the artichoke heart. They are great as an appetizer or as a side when in season. Otherwise, they are still available, but pretty expensive. For best quality and cheapest price, enjoy your artichoke dishes in the spring.


Simply Steamed Artichoke
Below, is a step by step in pictures of steaming artichokes.

Trim pointy edges of each artichoke leaf.

Steam for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on size of artichoke.  To tell when artichoke is done, pull a leaf off.  If the root side of the artichoke leaf is tender when scraped off with your teeth, the artichoke is done. 

Don't forget about the best part: 

The Artichoke Heart!

When you have eaten all the leaves completely off, this is what you will be left with.  Take a sharp knife and diagonally cut a circle so you can remove all the "small hairs" on the heart.

As you can see, the center has been removed, and you can eat the rest of the heart.  It is best cut up into bites and dipped in leftover butter.

Stay tuned for a stuffed artichoke recipe in the upcoming weeks!