Imagine a dish that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean. These Steamed Artichokes with Guiltless Garlic Sauce are about to become your new obsession - a healthy, mouth-watering recipe that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food critics at your dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Fresh artichokes
- Garlic, minced
- Greek yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the artichokes. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Trim the stems and the top inch of the artichoke using a sharp knife. Remove any small, tough leaves from the base.
- Using kitchen scissors, carefully trim the sharp tips of the outer leaves of the artichokes. This will make them easier to handle and eat after cooking.
- In a large pot, fill it with about 1-2 inches of water and add a pinch of salt. You can also add a slice of lemon to the water for extra flavor. Place a steaming basket or rack inside the pot, ensuring that the water does not touch the bottom of the basket.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, carefully place the prepared artichokes in the steaming basket, stem side up. Cover the pot with a lid.
- Steam the artichokes for about 30 minutes, or until the outer leaves can be easily pulled off and the heart is tender when pierced with a knife. Check the water level occasionally to ensure it doesn’t evaporate completely.
- While the artichokes are steaming, prepare the guiltless garlic sauce. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 2-3 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well to combine.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference. If you like a little more tang, you can add more lemon juice or a touch of extra olive oil for richness.
- Once the artichokes are cooked, carefully remove them from the pot using tongs and place them on a serving platter. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the steamed artichokes warm with the guiltless garlic sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors!
Tips
- • Choose fresh, firm artichokes with tight, compact leaves for the best texture and flavor. • When trimming artichokes, use kitchen scissors for precision and to avoid bruising the delicate leaves. • Don't rush the steaming process - patience ensures tender, perfectly cooked artichokes. • Test artichoke doneness by gently pulling a leaf; it should come off easily when fully cooked. • For the garlic sauce, let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together. • Serve immediately after cooking to maintain optimal temperature and texture. • If you're new to eating artichokes, start by pulling leaves and scraping the tender bottom with your teeth. • Leftover artichokes can be stored in the refrigerator and make a great addition to salads the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
