How to Cook Artichokes

Isabella Cannon

| 1 min read

An artichoke is a vegetable native to the Mediterranean that has edible parts from the bud of a thistle flower. While the external leaves can be spikey, the inner heart of the artichoke is a popular addition to dips and dishes. Artichokes are high in fiber, antioxidants and vitamins C, A and K. 
You can cook artichokes in a variety of ways, including boiling, grilling, steaming, stuffing or baking. When cooked well, artichokes should hold together and have a silky, creamy texture and an earthy taste. Artichokes can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. Most often, artichoke hearts are added to dips, salads and pastas.

How to Cook Artichokes– Steaming Method

Total Time:

45 minutes

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Difficulty:

Medium

Serving Amount
Ingredients

  • 2 artichokes

  • 1⁄2 lemon

  • water

Instructions
  • Step 1

    Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a large pot that fits a steamer insert with a lid.

  • Step 2

    Using a knife, cut the stem off at the base of 2 artichokes. Pull off any small, dark leaves near the base and discard.

  • Step 3

    Next, cut off about 1 inch from the top of the bulbs.

  • Step 4

    Trim the artichoke’s leaves about 1/3 inch from each leaf to remove the sharp points. Optionally, rub half a lemon on the cut tops and bottoms to prevent browning.

  • Step 5

    Rinse the trimmed artichokes under cold running water. Gently separate the leaves to remove any dirt hidden between layers.

  • Step 6

    Place the artichokes inside cut-side up in a steamer basket or strainer in the pot. Then, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the pot steam, covered, for 30 to 45 minutes.

  • Step 7

    Check for doneness. The artichokes are ready when you can pull off an outer leaf without much effort. Remove the artichokes from the pot and let cool before serving.

How to Cook Artichokes – Boiling Method

Total Time:

45 minutes

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Difficulty:

Medium

Serving Amount
Ingredients

  • 2 artichokes

  • 1⁄2 lemon

  • water

Instructions
  • Step 1

    Fill a pot half full of water and bring it to a boil.

  • Step 2

    Using a knife, cut the stem off at the base of 2 artichokes. Pull off any small, dark leaves near the base and discard.

  • Step 3

    Next, cut off about 1 inch from the top of the bulbs.

  • Step 4

    Trim the artichoke’s leaves about 1/3 inch from each leaf to remove the sharp points. Optionally, rub half a lemon on the cut tops and bottoms to prevent browning.

  • Step 5

    Rinse the trimmed artichokes under cold running water. Gently separate the leaves to remove any dirt hidden between layers.

  • Step 6

    Add the artichokes to the boiling water.

  • Step 7

    Next, lower the heat to a simmer and leave the artichokes to cook covered for 20 to 30 minutes.

  • Step 8

    Check for doneness. The artichokes are ready when you can pull off an outer leaf without much effort.

  • Step 9

    Drain the artichokes in a colander to remove the water before serving.

How to Store Leftover Artichoke Hearts

Once cooked artichokes have cooled, store them in an airtight container for three to five days in the refrigerator. If freezing, sprinkle cooked artichokes with lemon juice to prevent them from darkening. They can last about 10 months in the freezer when divided up into airtight freezer bags.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Related:

Hungry For More

Food and Recipes

Beans, Beans, the Musical Fruit: The Many Health Benefits of Beans and Legumes

Food and Recipes

How to Tell if Eggs Are Bad

Food and Recipes

Is it a Dairy Allergy or Lactose Intolerance?

Food and Recipes

Milk Safety Overview: The Dangers of Raw Milk and the Pros and Cons of Milk Alternatives

About
Privacy
Contact

A Healthier Michigan is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
No Personal Healthcare Advice or Other Advice
This Web site provides general educational information on health-related issues and provides access to health-related resources for the convenience of our users. This site and its health-related information and resources are not a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that patients receive from their physicians or other health care providers.
This site and its health-related information resources are not meant to be the practice of medicine, the practice of nursing, or to carry out any professional health care advice or service in the state where you live. Nothing in this Web site is to be used for medical or nursing diagnosis or professional treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed health care provider. Always consult your health care provider before beginning any new treatment, or if you have any questions regarding a health condition. You should not disregard medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice, because of something you read in this site.