Ingredients

  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 5 fresh parsley sprigs
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 fresh artichokes (about 3/4 lb. each)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Buttery Dipping Sauces:
  • Mayo Mixtures:
  • Garnish: fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs

Method

  • Combine lemon, next 3 ingredients, and 2 1/2 cups water in large Dutch oven. Place a steamer basket in Dutch oven.
  • Wash artichokes by plunging up and down in cold water. Cut off stem ends, and trim about 1 inch from top of each artichoke, using a serrated knife. Remove any loose bottom leaves. Trim one-fourth off top from each outer leaf, using kitchen shears.
  • Arrange artichokes in steamer basket. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 35 to 40 minutes or until stem end is easily pierced with a long wooden pick. Remove artichokes from Dutch oven. Let cool 15 minutes.
  • Preheat grill to 350° to 400° (medium-high). Carefully cut artichokes in half lengthwise; remove and discard choke. Liberally brush cut sides of artichokes with olive oil, and sprinkle with desired amount of salt and pepper.
  • Grill artichokes, covered with grill lid, over 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat 5 minutes on each side. Serve with Buttery Dipping Sauces or Mayo Mixtures. Garnish, if desired.
  • Steamed Fresh Artichokes: Prepare recipe as directed through Step (Do not cool.) Carefully pull open center leaves of artichokes. Remove and discard choke using a long spoon. Serve with Buttery Dipping Sauces or Mayo Mixtures. Makes 4 servings; Prep: 15 min., Cook: 45 min.