I first learned how to bake an artichoke from watching Adeena Sussman and I have been baking artichokes ever since! No need to steam, boil, or microwave. Just prep those chokes and roast to perfection.
You can boil, bake and grill artichokes, however we consider steaming to be the easiest and tastiest method of cooking them as it results in a good level of moisture. Boiling will also ensure a soft texture however, if you prefer this method.
2. Rub your 1/2 lemon all over any cut surfaces of the artichoke (and stem) to prevent browning. Then, starting with the outside and working in, gently loosen and spread out the leaves of the artichoke. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and the juice of your 1/2 lemon over the artichoke (watch out for runaway seeds!), reserve rind for later step, if boiling. Now wrap each half garlic clove with a basil leaf and tuck it into a leaf. Make sure to get at least one big one in the center! Add salt and pepper to taste.
Directions: 1. Wash and trim your artichoke. For a guide on how to trim (and eat) an artichoke, check out this post on Simply Recipes: How to Cook and Eat an Artichoke.
1. Boiling did the best job of preventing dehydration. The creamy texture of the boiled artichoke heart was sheer bliss, and the amount of soft edible meat was the highest of the three.
Baking comes in at a distant third place. The baked artichoke lost significant moisture; most of the outer leaves were leathery and the heart was small in comparison to the steamed and boiled versions. The flavor was really interesting though! My seasonings came through concentrated and zesty. The punch of acidity from the lemon was fun, but the seasonings really overpowered the natural artichoke flavor. Cooking them this way was low-maintenance, but it took about twice as long as the other methods. Now for the nail in the coffin, here is the baking method’s greatest flaw: the high temperatures of the oven cause serious smoking damage. The artichoke came out dark and had noticeable off-notes from the oil that were difficult to overlook.
1. Richard Smith, Aziz Baameur, Mohammad Bari, Michael Cahn, Deborah Giraud, Eric Natwick, Eta Takele, “Artichoke Production in California,” UC Vegetable Research & Information Center (2008): 4, accessed April 23, 2013, Publication 7221, http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/pdf/7221.pdf.
How do you prep an artichoke?
First things first, you are definitely going to need to break down the artichokes. I have a tutorial where you can see step-by-step how that process works by clicking on the link below.
No need to worry; once you have mastered how to prep artichokes cooking them any which way your heart desires will be a piece of cake!
Preparing Artichokes – Martha Stewart’s Cooking School
FAQ
Is it better to boil or bake artichokes?
What is the appropriate cooking method for artichokes?
Should I soak artichokes before cooking?
Are canned artichokes already cooked?
How long do you boil artichokes?
Boil covered for 30 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a medium boil ( Notes 4-9 ). Uncover, and transfer artichokes using tongs to a colander to drain, stem side up. Check for doneness: artichokes are done when a knife can be easily inserted into stem (parallel to fibers) with little or no resistance.
How can one use artichoke hearts?
The artichoke heart can be used in recipes stuffed with meats, cheeses or sauces. It can also be used pickled, cooked over coals, as stuffing, in paella and with scrambled eggs.
Can you cook artichokes in advance?
Serve whole artichokes hot, cold, or at room temperature. Cook the artichokes up to 1 day in advance, and refrigerate until serving. Place on a serving plate or platter with dipping sauces. Let’s get to the heart of the matter: The artichoke heart.
What is the best way to cook artichokes?
Most cooks think the best way to cook an artichoke is to boil them. But like many boiled vegetables, boiled artichokes lack snap and flavor. Wondering how to cook artichokes? I say the best way is to bake or steam them. As much as I love them now, I wasn’t a fan of artichokes as a kid.