Artichokes are still just about in season. They are available at their best in the spring and again from September to October. So if you want to try these delicious but underrated vegetables (In the UK at least!) start prepping for this tasty and healthy dish. For cooks who like garlic and those wishing to learn something new, try this is an easy, first artichoke recipe.

Artichokes may appear to be a bitter course vegetable, but when well prepared can be a delightful main or side dish and actually very healthy. Artichokes are high in fibre and vitamins and can help digestion. As with all produce, they taste incredible when they are naturally in season so get them now before we pass into Winter!

My Italian husband always just halves them and cooks in a deep pan with stock, garlic and seasoning until tender. If you have quite young artichokes this is a delicate and wonderful way to serve them.

However, if you would like something a little more challenging try our garlicky recipe below.

Ingredients:

6 Artichokes
4 or 5 cloves garlic
A good drizzle of olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
A squeeze of lemon juice
Thyme
Butter

Method:

1. To prepare the filling, crush the cloves of garlic into a bowl. Add the olive oil, butter and thyme to the garlic. The garlic should be just covered by the oil.

2. Season with the salt and pepper. Stir the mixture together with a spoon.

3. Cut off the stems of the artichokes. These can be cooked together with the leaves.

The artichoke leaves will need to be spread apart and the artichoke hearts cut in half and opened up for them to be filled.

4. Artichoke leaves have pointed tips that can hurt prying fingers. In order to open the artichokes without pricking a finger, hold the artichoke by the heart and mash it tip down onto the cutting board.

5. After mashing the artichokes, tips down, it should be much easier to fill them. Place the artichokes hearts down on one layer in a large pan, as well as the stems. With a spoon, fill each artichoke evenly with the garlic mixture.

6. Pour just enough water in the pan to cover the artichokes halfway. Sprinkle a little salt into the water.

7. Bring the artichokes to a boil. Turn to medium heat and allow them to cook covered for approximately 40 minutes. Be sure to not let the water boil down to nothing as they will burn.

To check whether the artichokes are well cooked, use a pair of tongs to pull at the leaves. If the outside leaves detach easily, the artichoke is ready to be eaten.

8. Squeeze the juice of a lemon over them before serving.

Artichoke Cooking Tips

Traditionally, an artichoke per person is a desirable serving. However, don’t be afraid to modify the quantities or ingredients to your taste.

Many people may eat artichoke hearts and not the leaves, but this method of preparation makes the leaves good for eating as well. Eat only the fleshy part of the leaves at the base and not the tip. The heart can be eaten whole.

The addition of garlic is not only extremely healthy but also gives it a great flavour to this simple dish.

I hope this is has inspired you to give cooking artichokes a try! I think these are a great date night meal!

FAQs

How can you cook artichokes in the microwave?

Having never cooked them in this way I am dubious about keeping the flavour of vegetable intact! However, if you would like to use a microwave try these guidelines here.

What is a globe artichoke good for?

Artichokes are low in fat and rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are particularly high in folate and vitamins C and K. In addition they supply important minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron to our bodies.