Save
Gratinated, with a little vinaigrette or even cooked into a tart, artichokes are always a pleasure. This spiny seasonal delicacy with a tender heart can however sometimes a mystery to budding cooks, especially when cooking whole artichokes.
Fine Dining Lovers explains how to cook whole artichokes in four different ways.
Discover 5 delicous artichoke recipes
How to boil whole artichokes?
Here's how to cook an artichoke with water: -
- First detach the first leaves and break the stem off
- Rub the base of the artichoke with half a lemon to stop oxidation
- Then dip the whole artichoke in a large saucepan (or casserole) of salt water and lemon
- Bring to a boil and cook for 30 minutes for white artichokes; 10 minutes more for purple artichokes.
How to Steam Artichokes?
Cooking an artichoke - or any other food - with steam can maintain its nutritional qualities. Here's how to go about it:
- Break the stem and put lemon on the base of the artichoke
- Remove the tough outer leaves
- Pour a little water into the steamer and heat up
- Place the artichoke in the basket steamer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
Discover how Julia Child steamed artichokes
How to cook artichokes in a pressure cooker?
To cook a whole artichoke in a pressure cooker is very simple and effective:
- Break the stem and the first leaves and lemon the base
- Place the artichoke in the pressure cooker filled with lemon and salted water
- Lock the pressure cooker and heat until it is hot
- Allow 15 minutes before releasing the pressure
- Drain and serve hot or cold
How to cook artichokes in the microwave?
Yes, it is even possible to cook an artichoke with a simple microwave. Here's how:
- Remove the stem and the first leaves and lemon the base
- Wrap the artichoke in a microwaveable plastic film
- Heat at maximum power for 5 minutes.
In each of the 4 cases, check if the artichoke is cooked by inserting a knife into the bottom of the vegetable. It must sink in easily. If it doesn't, cook for a few minutes longer.
Consume your artichokes within 24 hours after cooking to enjoy it at its best.
