Artichokes, a member of the thistle family, make an attractive and healthy addition to your vegetable cooking repertoire. They are good sources of dietary fiber, vitamin C, folate and magnesium. According to a USDA study, they are the top vegetable in antioxidant properties. Artichokes are also excellent choices for the diet-conscious since they are very low in calories and sodium and contain no fat or cholesterol. Boil or steam these flower-like vegetables for a tasty snack or an impressive, elegant dish for company.
Step 1
Wash the artichokes under cold, running water. Cut the lemons in half; squeeze the juice from two of the lemons into a large bowl and add 1 quart of cold water. Set the remaining lemons aside.
Step 2
Pull off and discard the bottom leaves from the artichokes, then cut off the stems. Carefully cut 1/2 to 1 inch, crosswise, off the top of each artichoke.
Step 3
Use the kitchen shears to cut off the sharp, thorny tip of each leaf. Slice each artichoke in half from top to bottom. Use a spoon to scoop out the core, or "choke," of each piece and discard.
Step 4
Rub the cut side of each artichoke piece with one of the remaining lemon halves. Place each cut artichoke in the bowl of lemon water immediately after cutting to prevent oxidation, which will discolor the artichoke.
Step 5
Put 3 cups of water into the cooking pot and bring the water to a simmer. Remove the artichokes from the lemon water and place them into the cooking pot. Cover the pot and cook the artichokes for 30 minutes until the bottoms are tender and you can easily pull off the leaves.
Step 6
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while the artichokes are cooking. Lightly coat a shallow baking dish with cooking spray. Slice the remaining lemon pieces to create eight thin slices.
Step 7
Drain the artichokes when they are finished cooking and place them, cut side up, in the baking dish. Place one slice of lemon in the cored center of each artichoke half. Sprinkle the artichokes with salt, pepper and dill. Cook in the oven, uncovered, for five minutes.
Things You'll Need
- 4 fresh artichokes
- 4 lemons
- Kitchen scissors
- Large bowl
- Spoon
- Large pot with lid
- Paring knife
- Shallow baking dish
- Cooking spray
- Salt
- Pepper
- Dill weed
Member Comments