Receta Steamed Artichoke
Steamed Artichoke
I had so many plans for food while Grumpy was out of town. Food that Grumpy won't touch. While I've done much better than I have in months, I still spent 3 nights eating just pita bread veggie pizzas. It was easy and yummy, and me? Well, I felt lazy. What else is new? ;) I have to admit, when evening gets here, I'm about done for. I am a true morning person - probably in a way many people would say there is something wrong with me! All I need for sleep seems to be about 6 good hours. If I am in bed by 9 (which I am most nights), then I'm awake by 3 or 3:30. But, I'm getting off topic here!
I had made a list of things I wanted to make while Grumpy was gone. One was the Quick & Easy Philly Cheesesteak. Another was steamed artichokes. I did make those two items, but nothing else that was on my list! I did however make a couple of things not on my list! I made the Dark Chocolate Almond Bars, Blackberry Parfaits, and Blackberry Lemon Ricotta Muffins (I won't be posting the muffins but you can find the recipe and photo on Two Peas and Their Pod blog!). Both the bars and muffins were fabulous and the parfaits were a great breakfast for two mornings! My lucky co-workers got the majority of the baked goodies because I only allowed myself to have a little of each!
I never had steamed fresh artichoke before. I saw they had them in the grocery store on sale, so I grabbed a couple and decided I would try them while Grumpy was gone. I am ever so glad that I did! I now know why they are loved by so many! If you haven't tried one or have been afraid to make one because it seems complicated....don't hesitate any longer! I ate both and loved every bite! I wasn't hard in any way!
Steamed Artichoke with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
Serves 1 person (at least it did in my home!)
- 2 fresh artichokes
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 thick slice lemon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
To prepare the artichokes, with kitchen scissors, trim the thorned tips of all the leaves. Cut about 3/4" off the top. Remove any of the smaller outer leaves near the stem and cut the stem so you can stand the artichoke up on its own. Spread the leaves apart some and rinse well with cold water. Place in a saucepan (I used a small one big enough to house just the two artichokes) along with crushed garlic and lemon slice. Bring to a boil and steam approximately 25-30 minutes, or until leaves are tender and pull away easily.
Melt 1 tablespoon butter with 1 minced garlic clove. Add lemon juice to melted butter and stir. Pull leaves from artichoke, dip in butter, and drag leaf through your teeth scraping the pulp from the leaf. YUM! When you have removed and eaten the pulp of the leaves, make sure that you remove the fuzzy choke part and discard. You can then eat the heart. I read that some people will trim the outer layers of the stem and eat the tender inside...I myself did not do that. I thought it was a little bitter when tasting. There are several articles on how to cook an artichoke along with several suggestions for dipping- I will definitely be making these again and hope I can convince Grumpy to try them too! A great special treat!