Description
This delightful recipe for grilled artichokes combines tender, steamed artichokes with a smoky char from the grill, enhanced by a flavorful garlic-infused olive oil and a tangy balsamic dipping sauce. Perfect as a unique appetizer or side dish, these artichokes are carefully prepped to remove tough parts and served with a creamy, zesty dip that elevates their natural flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Artichokes
- 4 artichokes
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Balsamic Dipping Sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Infuse the Olive Oil: Smash the garlic cloves and combine them with the olive oil and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Microwave for 45-60 seconds to warm the oil without making it hot. Set aside to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare Lemon for Rubbing: Keep half a lemon nearby for rubbing the cut artichoke surfaces immediately after slicing to prevent browning.
- Prep the Artichokes: For each artichoke, cut 1/2 inch off the stem, remove small bottom leaves, and peel the stem with a vegetable peeler to remove the tough exterior.
- Trim the Top: Slice off the top 1 inch of the artichoke bud and immediately rub lemon juice on the exposed surfaces.
- Trim Leaf Points and Halve: Use kitchen shears to snip off the pointy tips of each leaf carefully, then cut the artichoke in half. Rub lemon juice inside right after cutting.
- Clean the Inner Leaves: Remove small, tough inner leaves that are shorter than the trimmed top, then extract the fuzzy choke using a spoon. Rub lemon juice again to prevent discoloration.
- Cook the Artichokes: Pressure Cooker method: Add 1 cup water and a trivet to the pressure cooker. Place artichokes cut side down on the trivet, seal the lid, set to high pressure for 6 minutes, then quick release steam. Stovetop method: Fill a pot with 2-3 cups of water, bring to simmer, place artichokes in a steamer basket, cover and steam for 35-40 minutes until tender.
- Preheat Grill: Bring the grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush with Infused Oil: Place cooked artichokes cut side up on a platter and brush the infused olive oil generously over the insides to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Grill Artichokes: Transfer artichokes oiled side down to the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes until grill marks and slight charring appear.
- Season and Serve: Sprinkle grilled artichokes with kosher or sea salt and serve immediately.
- Prepare Balsamic Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, plain yogurt, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Enjoy: Use your teeth to scrape the tender white meat off each leaf, enjoying the stem and heart which are also edible and delicious.
Notes
- Rubbing lemon juice on cut artichoke surfaces prevents browning and keeps them looking fresh.
- Be careful when trimming the pointy leaf tips as they can be sharp.
- Cooking times vary depending on artichoke size; test tenderness by piercing with a knife.
- For best flavor, use fresh parsley and good quality olive oil for infusion.
- The balsamic dipping sauce balances the smoky grilled taste with a creamy tang.
- You can steam the artichokes on the stovetop or use a pressure cooker for faster results.
