Learn how to prep, season, and cook the perfect artichoke.

How to Cook an Artichoke
Ingredients:
- 2 to 4 artichokes
- 1 lemon
- 1 T. salt
- water
Tools You’ll Need:
Let’s Get Cooking!
First, place a large pot on the stove and put enough water inside that it doesn’t touch the bottom of the steaming basket. If the water is touching the basket, remove a little until it falls just below but not touching. Add 1 T. salt and the juice of half of a lemon. Bring to a boil.
- Slice off the top 2″ of the artichoke.
- Remove bottom leaves by pulling them off.
- Cut off stem flush to the bottom of the artichoke. It should sit up well.
- Using the kitchen scissors, trim off a 1/2″ of the points of each leaf.
- From the top, pull the leaves apart, opening up the artichoke. We just want to open it up enough for the steam to penetrate the inside and to ensure a thorough cook.
Add the steaming basket to the pot of boiling water. Place the artichokes bottom-side up and cover the pot with a lid. Boil for 35 minutes. Remove lid and test with a knife. If it goes in gently, they are done. Serve immediately.
Tips on How to Serve
- Serve whole with a side of melted butter or hollandaise sauce. For added flavor you can add a little butter to your garlic, a pinch of cayenne, or any kind of flavored salt you like (if you use unsalted butter).
- Or, remove all leaves and arrange around a plate with your choice of dipping sauce in the middle or off to the side. Let the creative you be your guide.

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Happy Homesteading!
Marian
If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I love hearing from you!

How to Cook an Artichoke
Equipment
- steaming basket
- large pot
- kitchen scissors
- tongs
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 4 artichokes
- 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp salt
- water
Instructions
- First, place a large pot on the stove and put enough water inside that it doesn't touch the bottom of the steaming basket. If the water is touching the basket, remove a little until it falls just below but not touching. Add 1 T. salt and the juice of half of a lemon. Bring to a boil.
- Slice off the top 2" of the artichoke and rub the top with half a lemon.
- Remove the old bottom leaves by pulling them off.
- Cut off stem flush to the bottom of the artichoke. It should sit up well.
- Using the kitchen scissors, trim off a 1/2" of the points of each leaf.
- From the top, pull the leaves apart, opening up the artichoke. We just want to open it up enough for the steam to penetrate the inside and to ensure a thorough cook.
- Once the water is boiling, add the steaming basket to the large pot. Place the artichokes top-side down and cover the pot with a lid. Boil for 35 minutes. Remove lid and test with a knife. If it goes in gently, they are done. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Serve whole with a side of melted butter or hollandaise sauce. You can also spruce up your butter with garlic, a pinch of cayenne, or any kind of flavored salt you like (if you use unsalted butter).
- Or, remove all leaves and arrange around a plate with your choice of dipping sauce in the middle or off to the side. Let the creative you be your guide.
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