question for the culinarily-inclined

[kellinator]

So I want to try steaming an artichoke. I have a microwave steamer which I figure should do nicely; are there any artichoke connoisseurs out there who have tips to share?

No, I don't really think "culinarily" is a word either.

Comments

[cotharyus.livejournal.com]

Steaming is the way to go. I've never used a microwave steamer per se, but I do steam them in the microwave - just put in anything microwave safe with a little water and cover it with plastic wrap. You want to steam it until the leaves pull out easily. I like lemon butter to dip mine in, some people like a lemon mayno concoction, others tend towards garlic butter, but I find most of it overpowering and stick to the lemon butter, or even just plain butter. I'm sure somewhere you can find a steam time/weight figure on the net, I've got it written down somewhere, so I don't remember it right off hand.

There's actually a California Artichoke Advisory Board. Who knew?

[wolvy]

http://www.artichokes.org/basic_prep.html sums it up pretty well - I remember the guys at the hotel would trim them and throw them into boiling water, too, if that's easier.

I know the lemon juice/acidulated water part really is key - just throw a slice or three of lemon into the water!

Now you've got me thinking about artichokes.

Have you had hearts of palm?

I really need to get lunch.

[arkhamrefugee.livejournal.com]

Butter is the definite key here, but I would actually recommend a -roasted- garlic butter. Or even better, a buerre blanc sauce if you've the time to make it.

Of course, I am a fancypants cook so someties my suggestions aren't terribly practical, but there you are.

Re: There's actually a California Artichoke Advisory Board. Who knew?

[kellinator.livejournal.com]

Hearts of palm are yummy! ...Why do I have a feeling this is all going to end with me gnawing on the computer?

Re: There's actually a California Artichoke Advisory Board. Who knew?

[wolvy]

You can do it!!

[blackbirdsing-n.livejournal.com]

If you can use the stove top. Microwaving strips it of nutrients.

I typically steam them with a little wine, lemon juice, & garlic and then make a yummy garlic & herb sauce to dip it in.

[leezechka.livejournal.com]

I use stove top, chop the stem, trim the tips off with scissors and steam it standing upright for awhile.

it is very good with hollandaise.