Imagine transforming a humble artichoke into a restaurant-worthy delicacy in just 30 minutes, with minimal effort and maximum flavor! These Instant Pot Artichokes with Lemon Chive Butter are about to become your new culinary obsession, offering a gourmet experience that's both incredibly simple and devastatingly delicious. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe will elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 artichokes
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Start by preparing the artichokes. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Trim the stems to about 1 inch in length and remove any tough outer leaves at the base of the artichokes.
- Using a sharp knife, cut about 1 inch off the top of each artichoke to remove the thorny tips. Optionally, you can also rub the cut edges with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside. This will be your lemon chive butter for serving.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot. Place a steamer basket or trivet inside the pot. Arrange the artichokes upright in the basket or on the trivet, ensuring they are stable and not overcrowded.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the steam release valve is set to the sealing position. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and set the cooking time to 20 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully switch the steam release valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and use tongs to carefully remove the artichokes from the pot. Let them cool slightly before serving.
- To serve, drizzle the lemon chive butter over the warm artichokes and enjoy by pulling off the leaves, dipping them in the butter, and scraping the tender flesh with your teeth.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Artichokes: Look for artichokes that are deep green, heavy for their size, and have tight, compact leaves. Avoid those with brown spots or dried-out tips.
- Prep Like a Pro: When trimming artichokes, use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, and work quickly to prevent browning. Rubbing cut surfaces with lemon juice helps maintain their beautiful color.
- Don't Overcrowd: Ensure artichokes are placed upright and not touching in the Instant Pot to guarantee even cooking and proper steam circulation.
- Perfect Timing: The 20-minute cooking time is ideal, but larger artichokes might need an extra 2-3 minutes. Always check for tenderness by gently pulling a leaf.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve the artichokes warm with the lemon chive butter on the side for dipping. For an extra touch, garnish with additional fresh chives.
- Storage Tip: Leftover artichokes can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated gently in the microwave or steamer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 163kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 5g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg