The artichoke, related to the thistle plant, is a globe-shaped vegetable with rows of tight, bright green, scale-like leaves growing atop a long stem. The fleshy leaves are edible, as is the tender heart at the globe's center. Nutritionally, artichokes provide protein, potassium, magnesium and folic acid, along with vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants and a healthy amount of dietary fiber. A 1/2-cup serving of boiled artichoke contains only 37 calories. Boiling is one of the easiest ways to prepare this flavorful vegetable.
Step 1
Clean the artichoke under cool water. Rinse thoroughly between the leaves.
Step 2
Remove the top 1-inch to 1 1/2 inch from the artichoke, using a sharp, serrated knife.
Step 3
Fill a large saucepan with water. Add a dash of salt, and then bring the water to a full boil. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to bring out the color and flavor of the artichoke.
Step 4
Place the artichoke in the boiling water. Cover the pan and allow the artichoke to cook until the leaves are tender and a knife slides easily into the stem. Most artichokes require about 30 minutes, but a large artichoke may take up to 45 minutes.
Step 5
Remove the artichoke from the pan, and then allow it to drain in a colander for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Warnings
- If you don't like the appearance of the thorny leaf-tips, snip them off with clean kitchen shears before you boil the artichoke. For a savory flavor, add onion wedges and garlic cloves to the boiling water. Serve boiled artichoke with melted butter or a dip made of herbs, butter and mayonnaise.
Things You'll Need
- Serrated knife
- Large saucepan with lid
- Salt
- Fresh lemon
- Colander
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