Grilled Artichokes

/ amberrower

The artichoke: a food I never understood as a child.

I watched, horrified, when friends and relatives would pick apart their boiled, grey leaves and use them to scoop up gobs of mayonnaise before dragging each leaf between their teeth. I did not understand the appeal.

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Then one day, on a whim, I tumbled a few into my shopping basket as I passed by a big bin piled high with bright green artichoke globes at my local farmer’s market. After a “Help! I bought these and have NO idea how to cook them!” phone call to a good friend/food expert, I was on my way to truly loving these edible thistles.

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Artichokes are high in fiber and vitamin K, a vitamin that your body not only needs to clot blood (for healing) but uses to maintain healthy bones. They are a good source of vitamin C and absolutely delicious smothered in garlic! They grill beautifully, which makes them an extra fun (and grown up looking) finger food for your next barbecue.

Happy summer solstice!

Grilled Artichokes
Servings:  4   Prep time: 10 min         Cook time: 25 min total
  • 4 artichoke globes, washed
  • 4+ cloves of garlic, diced
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 1 lemon, wedged
  1. Cut off the top/point of the artichoke to remove most of the spikes. Use kitchen scissors to remove any remaining spikes from the leaves below your cut line.
  2. Trim the stem of the artichoke close to the base of the globe and remove any small leaves on the stem.
  3. Cut the artichoke in half, lengthwise, and use a spoon to remove the fluffy choke from the center.
  4. Steam the artichokes, cut sides down, for 20 minutes or until the inside of the artichoke is easily pierced with a fork.
  5. Drizzle olive oil down into the  leaves of artichoke and brush the cut side/inside with olive oil as well. Rub the cut side of the artichoke with garlic. Salt and pepper them to your preference.
  6. Place the artichokes, cut side down, on a hot grill and roast for 5 minutes, or until lovely grill marks appear.
  7. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the artichokes and serve.
  8. Enjoy!

One thought on “Grilled Artichokes”

  1. [Painting currently on display @ Chow on Church.]

    Yum – yum! One of my favorite summer treats!

    I don’t remember how my parents got me to try artichokes. Perhaps sarcastically, by mentioning Eeyore’s consumption of thistles? [That’s the sort of thing my dad, who often remarked upon my burro-like stubbornness, might have done.] Regardless, I appreciate the reminder to cook the 3 globes that are chilling in our hydrator.

    I miss you, and will be in touch again soon. Hope all is well with you & Brian.

    Much love,

    Aunt Deborah

    P.S. The brownie recipe looks very promising!

    Sent from my iPhone

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