Artichokes may be my all time favorite food. Unfortunately when I come across recipes that use fresh artichokes, they are generally covered in butter and some other breaded topping which in my opinion makes the artichoke only the vehicle for the various toppings. Not anymore! To really enjoy all that an artichoke has to offer, I recommend eating it plain. That's right, totally plain.
In order to make this work, it is important not to overcook the artichoke. Trust me, if you overcook it you'll be sorry. And most of the recipes that drape artichokes in breaded toppings overcook the delicate artichoke in my opinion. No wonder people cover these in butter and bacon.
My method:
1. Trim the stem off the artichoke
2. Set the artichoke in 1-2 inches of water on the stove.
3. Bring to a boil.
4. Cover and reduce heat to medium high.
5. Let simmer for 25-35 minutes depending on the size and hardiness of your artichoke.
6. Once the leaves can be pulled out easily remove from heat and enjoy the wonderful vegetable one leaf at a time.
7. When you run out of leaves, cut out the furry part and enjoy the artichoke heart.
I buy my artichokes at Costco because they are consistently high quality. And I can get 4 artichokes like the one above for about $5.00, which is a pretty good deal. Last year during one of my artichoke phases I came across a dead worm about 1/2 way through the leaves. I understand that bugs and worms crawl on my food because it grows in the earth. In fact, I should have been overjoyed that a worm was enjoying my artichoke because it suggests that the artichoke wasn't coated in pesticides. Instead, I was a little troubled. Mostly because if I hadn't looked down at the perfect moment I would have eaten it. Worm texture might have ruined my love of artichokes... maybe permanently.
In the spirit of advertisers who make claims on packaged foods like "Now with less sugar" or "Now with more fiber", every time I fill my Costco cart with artichokes I say "Now with less worms!" So far, saying that phrase has kept me lucky.
2 comments:
1) After hearing the worm story (and yes, I understand you didn't EAT it), I'm still surprised that you gave arties another try. You're growing up so fast!!!
2) I can totally hear you muttering to yourself "And now with less worms." Hardy har har!!!
3) I've never cooked arties in only two inches of water-- I've always used more. Interesting...
It is interesting that you cook your artichokes in more water. Your comment reminded me that in college my roommate had a special steamer basket just for artichokes so that they never touched the water at all!
Those artichokes were probably the best I have ever had. I need to look for one of those steamer baskets the next time I am at the store :)
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