How to Steam Artichokes

Artichokes are high in cynarin, which lowers cholesterol and is good for the liver and gallbladder. Steaming, since it involves little water, helps to retain the nutrients of the artichokes during cooking.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Knives
• Distilled Water
• Timers
• Paper Towels
• Paper Towels
• Paper towels

1. Cut about an inch off the top of each artichoke.

2. Cut off base and remove small outer leaves, if desired.

3. Pour an inch of water and a lemon wedge into steamer and allow to boil.

4. Place artichokes into vegetable steamer, tips up.

5. Cover and cook for 25 to 40 minutes.

6. Cut into base of each artichoke to check that it is soft, and make sure inside leaves can be pulled out easily.

7. Cook five minutes more if artichokes are not done, and then check again, repeating as necessary.

8. Drain artichokes upside down on paper towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Add garlic cloves to the boiling water if desired.
• You can substitute lemon juice for a lemon wedge.
• Pressure-steaming artichokes is easy and only takes about 15 minutes.
• Avoid drinking wine while eating artichokes, because cynarin causes everything else to taste sweeter in your mouth and may alter the flavor of fine wine.

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[rubydreamer]

on 4/10/2007 Artichokes are also absolutely delicious when seasoned with lemon pepper and garlic herb! One thing, you should turn the heat down to medium heat after you let the water boil because I forgot to do that and my artichokes caught on fire from all of the water evaporating!!!

on 11/22/2005 You can microwave artichokes too!
Cut the bottom and 1" from the leaves as described above. Then...
In a microwave safe bowl add a squirt of lemon juice (or lime juice), a tablespoon of olive oil (optional) and about 6 tablespoons of water. Place the artichoke upsidedown in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave for 6 minutes. I would guess 10 minutes or so for 2 or more artichokes and of course a little more water. Enjoy!!