How To Cook An Artichoke

How to Steam and Eat Artichokes!

What is an artichoke?

An artichoke is the immature flower bud of the thistle and is classified as a vegetable. There are a few different ways to cook an artichoke. In my opinion, the best way is to stuff the leaves with a bread crumb-Parmesan cheese mixture and steam them. This pretty, large green vegetable with many leaves and a thick stem is a sure sign of spring, but how do we cook them? Or better yet how do we eat them?

How to Prepare an Artichoke for Cooking

There are three important steps before cooking the artichoke. Step 1 Cut the stem off of the base of the artichoke.

Step 2 Cut the tip-off of each leave. See the video tutorial below. Step 3 Bang the top of the artichoke on the counter a couple of times. This step will open up the artichoke so the leaves will be easier to stuff. See a step-by-step process in the video tutorial below.

How to Store Artichokes?

It is best to use artichokes on the same day. If you need to store them, slice the stem down the middle and wrap a wet paper towel around it then place it in the fridge. This technique should give you a few extra days. When selecting an artichoke be sure it feels firm and heavy. It shouldn’t feel light and dry.

How to Cook Artichokes?

As we talked about above. First, cut the stem off of the artichoke so the base of the artichoke sits flat. With a pair of scissors trim off the sharp tip of the artichoke. Bang the artichoke on the counter a couple of times to loosen up the leaves. Now you’re ready to stuff your artichoke, you certainly don’t have to but it is well worth the effort. I use a breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture. I mix equal parts of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese typically about a half cup of each will stuff about three artichokes depending on the size. Simply spoon in a little bit of the mixture on each leave. Once you’ve prepared the artichokes add an inch to 2 inches of cold water to a large pot. Place the artichokes in the pot and bring to a boil. Quickly reduce the heat to low cover and simmer for one hour. Larger artichokes may take a little longer. The artichoke is done when the leave easily pulls away. Drizzle melted butter over the top.

How to Eat an Artichoke?

To eat the leaves, simply pull a leave and scrape off the meat and breadcrumb mixture with your teeth. Discard the tough leave.

Enjoy! Thank You for stopping by Lia Rose Simply Home! Never miss a post! Subscribe to my email list!