Elevate your dining experience with a simple yet elegant recipe for Steamed Artichokes. With their earthy and delicate flavor, artichokes make for a delightful and healthy side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. By utilizing the efficiency of a pressure cooker, you can achieve perfectly tender artichokes in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. Discover the art of enjoying these nutrient-rich vegetables with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 artichokes, trimmed and tops cut off
- 1 cup water
- 1 lemon wedge
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Rub each artichoke with the lemon wedge to prevent browning and infuse a subtle citrus flavor.
- Pour 1 cup of water into your pressure cooker’s bottom.
- Insert a steamer basket or rack into the pressure cooker to elevate the artichokes above the water.
- Place the prepared artichokes upright on the steamer basket.
- Close the pressure cooker’s lid securely.
- Set the pressure cooker to cook on High pressure for 20 minutes. The steam generated will cook the artichokes to a tender perfection.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure according to your pressure cooker’s instructions.
- Using tongs, transfer the steamed artichokes to individual plates.
- Serve the Steamed Artichokes as a delightful side dish. Each leaf can be plucked off and dipped in a sauce of your choice for a burst of flavor.
VARIATIONS:
- Curry Spice: Mix curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper with melted butter or olive oil for a unique and flavorful dipping sauce.
- Asian-inspired Dip: Create a dipping sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and a touch of honey for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
- Stuffed Artichokes: Instead of trimming the artichokes, steam them whole. Once cooked, remove the center leaves and choke, then fill the cavity with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic, and your choice of grated cheese.
TIPS:
- Choosing Artichokes: Select artichokes that feel heavy and have tightly closed leaves. Avoid ones that appear dry, wilted, or have opened leaves.
- Trimming: Trim the top portion of the artichoke and remove any tough outer leaves. Trim the stem as well, leaving about an inch attached to the base.
- Lemon Rub: Rubbing the artichokes with a lemon wedge not only adds a touch of citrusy flavor but also helps prevent browning.
- Steamer Basket: Use a steamer basket or rack in the pressure cooker to keep the artichokes above the water, allowing them to steam rather than boil.
- Water Level: Make sure the water level in the pressure cooker is sufficient to create steam throughout the cooking process.
- Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and variety of artichokes. Adjust the cooking time as needed; they are done when a leaf can be pulled off easily.
- Serving: Serve the steamed artichokes with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as melted butter, garlic aioli, or a vinaigrette.
NUTRITION (per serving):
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Carbs: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of artichokes prepared through the efficient and flavorful method of pressure cooking. This Steamed Artichokes recipe offers a quick and satisfying way to enjoy a nutritious vegetable that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
