How to Grill Artichokes

Artichokes can be a bit daunting due to the bit of preparation involved, but they are a tasty treat when they are fresh from the market in late spring and early summer. One of the most delicious ways to prepare an artichoke is to cook it on the grill. Follow these easy steps to grilling artichokes.

Things You'll Need

• Artichokes
• Lemons
• Spoon
• Knife
• Pot of boiling water
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil
• Pastry brush
• Grill
• Condiments

Instructions

Prepare the Artichokes for Grilling

1. Trim the leaves on the outside of the artichokes. Snip off just the top, thorny tips of the outer leaves.

2. Clean the artichokes. Slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out the hairy choke with a spoon. Do this one artichoke at a time, and squeeze a cut lemon on each half to prevent browning.

3. Drop the cleaned artichokes in boiling salted water to soften them, about seven minutes for small artichokes, 10 minutes for large ones.

4. Remove artichokes from boiling water and brush each side liberally with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Be sure to oil and season well inside the heart of the artichoke.

Grill the Artichokes

1. Preheat your grill, either gas or charcoal will work for grilling artichokes.

2. When the grill is hot, place the prepared artichokes cut side up on the grill over medium heat. Grill them for 10 minutes.

3. Flip the artichokes over and grill them cut side down for another five minutes.

4. Remove from the grill and squeeze more lemon over the cut side of the artichokes. Serve them as is, or with a variety of condiments, including aioli, mustard or melted butter.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wish, you may add additional seasoning to the artichokes before you grill them. Minced garlic or fresh herbs can add excellent flavors to this versatile veggie.