Grilled Artichokes with Lemon-Garlic Dipping Sauce
Grilled artichokes are a great side dish or appetizer for spring and summer grilling. Served with lemon, garlic, butter & olive oil dipping sauce. You can cook artichokes the day ahead to save time. For dairy-free and vegan, use all olive oil or sub plant-based butter in the sauce.
1handfulfresh thyme springsor 1 ½ teaspoon dried leaves
1tablespoonolive oil (+ 2 teaspoons)divided use
¼teaspoonsea salt
¼teaspoonblack peppercorns
Lemon-Garlic Dipping Sauce
4tablespoonsbutter, dairy or plant-based
4tablespoonsolive oil
1largelemonjuiced
¼ - ½teaspoongranulated garlic
2pinchessea salt
1pinch ground black pepper
Instructions
How To Cook Artichokes
First trim artichokes - Cut the stem end flush to the base, then cut off the top ⅓ of the artichoke. Using a serrated knife makes it easier. Trim the sharp barbs from the leaf tips with scissors. Rub the artichokes all over with a cut lemon as you work to minimize any browning.
Place artichokes in a large pot big enough to hold them in a single layer pot. Add about 3" inches of water. Squeeze in the spent lemons from your prep work. Add the bay leaf, garlic cloves, salt, pepper, 2 teaspoons olive oil and herbs. You can use a flat steamer basket or place the artichokes in the pot without.
Place lid on top, turn heat to medium high and bring pot to where steam is coming out from under the lid. Turn heat down to medium low and steam artichokes until tender. Timing will depend on size, from 35-45- minutes. Peak in the pot occasionally (quickly) to be sure the water does not run dry. Artichokes are done when you can easily pull a leaf from near the center. If you have to tug, give them a few more minutes until a leaf comes out easily.
When done, remove artichokes from the pot and allow to cool enough to handle. While they are warm, slice them from top to bottom with a large sharp knife and remove the fuzzy center choke. Scrape them out with a spoon.
How to Grill Artichokes
To grill artichokes, heat a gas grill to high and scrape the grates clean with a wire brush. Brush the cut side with the 1 leftover tablespoon of olive oil and place the hot grill. Grill for just a couple of minutes until edges are golden and a bit charred, then remove and serve with the dipping sauce. No grill? Use a hot grill pan.
To make the dipping sauce, melt all ingredients together in the microwave or a small pot and stir. Adjust seasoning for your taste with salt and pepper.
Notes
Nutrition for Artichokes Without Sauce is shown belowNutrition for Dipping SauceCalories: 156kcal | Carbs: 2g |Protein: .03g | Fat: 17g | Sat fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 1g