These strange vegetables can look daunting, but no worries, they are a snap to prepare, and with only 60 calories and a whopping 6.9 grams of fiber they are a healthy addition to any meal!
The first thing you will need to do is chop off the top (pointed) end of the artichoke. Then with kitchen scissors, go around the artichoke and cut off the tip of each leaf. So you’ll end up with something like this.
After you have done this to all of your artichokes you will put a few inches of water in a stock pot and put in your steam rack. Put the artichokes face down and cover with a lid.
This is the hardest part… waiting till they are done!! The larger the artichoke the longer it takes to steam. You will know when they are ready because the leaves will pull away easily. A medium artichoke, you are looking at about 30-35 minutes. So be sure to put them on first if your protein takes less time to cook.
How to Steam an Artichoke - Tzatziki Sauce
The best way to steam an artichoke!
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2
Calories: 175 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 plain yogurt, 8 ounce containers
- 2 cucumbers , peeled, seeded and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon dill, chopped fresh
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender (I used my magic bullet), combine yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, dill and garlic. Process until well-combined. Transfer to a separate dish, cover and refrigerate for at least one hour for best flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 175kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 463mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 216IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 1mg
Keywords: artichokes, cucumbers, dill, yogurt
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So now that it’s cooked… How do you eat the darn thing??
Pull each leaf off, and at the base of the leaf there is the “meat” of the artichoke. Clench your teeth slightly around the base of the leaf and slide it out, pulling the “meat” off as you go! Toss the remaining leaf. Simple!
A common thing to make these guys even more enjoyable is to accompany it with a buttery or mayo infested dip. But why ruin such a healthy treat with unnecessary calories? I threw together this delicious and less calorie dip that you and your family will love.
Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients:
2 (8 ounce) containers plain yogurt
2 cucumbers – peeled, seeded and diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 lemon, juiced
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
3 cloves garlic, peeled
In a food processor or blender (I used my magic bullet), combine yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, dill and garlic. Process until well-combined. Transfer to a separate dish, cover and refrigerate for at least one hour for best flavor.
Ok, so all the leaves are gone and you’re left with this hairy stump, known as the “heart.” Don’t throw this away, it’s the best part! All you need is a spoon to scoop out the hairs and toss those…they tickle your throat if you swallow them! Enjoy the “heart” by dipping it in your sauce. There you go, you just cooked and ate an artichoke! Now that wasn’t so bad was it!?
(FYI: My kids LOVE these, especially the dipping part, and what kid doesn’t love to dip?)
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