Artichokes. Seriously, could I know any less about a particular vegetable. Sure, I could Wikipedia artichokes, learn everything there is to know, but sometimes, I like to let things remain a mystery.
However, Handsome loves artichokes. (That’s right – the same man who won’t touch onions, winces over green beans, won’t touch a carrot, and will leave a pile of celery at the bottom of a bowl – love’s artichokes). And, we all know what we will do for those we care about, especially if artichokes magically appear in the shopping cart when you are both on a quick in and out trip together. This girl can take a hint.
So, without knowing anything about fresh artichokes, I set out to make Handsome something he would enjoy (mainly because I knew he would not be too thrilled when he saw the main course – play your cards well, ladies). Lucky for me, I had saved this recipe a while ago knowing my time to bond with artichokes would someday arrive, and it was rather instructional and easy to follow.*
Grilled Fresh Artichokes
from Southern Living March 2009
Ingredients:
1 lemon, thinly sliced- 5 fresh parsley sprigs
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 teas salt
- 4 fresh artichokes (about 3/4 lb each)
- 3 tbs olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 3 tbs chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teas crushed red pepper
Preparation:
Combine lemon, next 3 ingredients, and 2 1/2 cups water in large Dutch oven. Place a steamer basket in Dutch oven.
Wash artichokes by plunging up and down in cold water. Cut off stem ends, and trim about 1 inch from top of each artichoke, using a serrated knife. Remove any loose bottom leaves. Trim one fourth off top from each outer leaf, using kitchen shears.
Arrange artichokes in a steamer basket. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer 35 to 40 minutes or until stem end is easily pierced with a long wooden pick. Remove artichokes from Dutch oven. Let cool 15 minutes.
Preheat grill to350 to 400 (medium high). Using a towel to protect your hand from the heat, carefully cut artichokes in half lengthwise; remove and discard choke. Liberally brush cut sides of artichoke with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Grill artichokes, covered with grill lid, over 350 to 400 heat 5 minutes on each side.
Meanwhile, microwave the butter in a microwave-safe glass bowl for 30 to 45 seconds, or until melted and hot. Stir in basil, 1/4 teas salt, and crushed red pepper. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve artichokes with buttery dipping sauce.
*Up until that part that clearly says to scoop out the choke. As you can tell by my pictures, I missed that part. 
My name is Kita. I am a 20 something girl geek and website/graphic designer who can rock an apron like there is no tomorrow. 
The grill master strikes again. Looks delicious. An artichoke has never passed these lips before…I have a lot in common with Handsome when it comes to vegetable preferences (or squibbity jibbities as in this case) so perhaps they’ll be a hit for me as well?
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I also love artichokes, especially grilled! For some reason, any time I try to cook artichokes it is a huge fail. Yours look great, though, so I might have to try again.
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It has taken me many years but I’ve trained my husband to eat vegetables! He hated most thing green except lima beans. Weirdo.
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Kita Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 8:52 am
Lima beans??? lol, that is very very strange!
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I know some people enjoy the whole peel, dunk, scrape thing… I’d rather chew on cardboard. Luckily, one of the commercial fresh markets I have a thing with sells them already “de” choked and trimmed of the stegosaurus thingies. It makes for quick work when you have a hankerin’. Love the dipping butter, you can’t go wrong with spicy
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Kita Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 8:52 am
Don’t tell anyone but I may be with you on this one!
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I love articokes, but have never tried grilling these look so good! My DH is picky as well, I use to be offended when he carefully picked through the meal. Now he will eat a few things like peppers but at least thats something. Beautiful photos too!
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Kita Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 8:53 am
So you’re telling me there’s hope for J yet?
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I know, I don’t know how to cook them at all. On my bucket list for sure! You did a beautiful job, they look and sound fantastic! Hugs, Terra
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Kita Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 8:54 am
This was my first attempt. Handsome says his mother used to steam them and that is the way he would prefer them. I am guessing that if that were the case, you would just omit the grilling part. He enjoyed the grill but said it brought out a ‘nuttiness’ to the artichoke.
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Grilling & roasting vegetables tastes great & is so easy too. Thanks for highlighting an underrated vegetable!
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oooh. I’m going to be craving these all day now. I need to make these ASAP!
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Oh, delicious! I LOVE artichokes and grilling them is an awesome idea! I’ve happily buzzed this one…it rocks!
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That is too funny how he won’t eat a carrot but he will eat artichokes haha…I don’t think I have ever had grilled artichokes but it does look rather delicious!
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Kita Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 8:55 am
Tell me about it! Sigh…..
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I usually only have artichokes during the holidays, and stuffed! These look absolutely delicious!
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Thanks for this post – my man is another great artichoke lover, and although i do love them too, I only seem to make them one way, boiled with a butter dipping sauce – I think this will be so much more interesting!
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Kita Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 8:56 am
Lol, maybe we should swap recipes. I need to get a few more artichoke recipes to make this one happy
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I guess it’s very tasty, Kita! Beautiful photos!
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I like the idea of artichokes, but they scare me. These look great! Anything grilled with a dip is good!
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I really love artichokes, but I’ve never tried to make them myself. Now you have me craving one with some delicious buttery dip!
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Unfortunately I am not a fan of artichokes. I want to like them, I really do but for some reason there is something that just doesn’t work for me. Your seasonings sound delicious and they look so pretty with the carmelization. I might have to give them another try!
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I love artichokes and grilling is such a nice way to have them. I just dreamed of eating this hot artichoke with butter on it… argh so good!! Artichokes are so pretty…in their own way and I love them!
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I LOVE artichokes…ate 2 of them for dinner last night. Yum!
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I hope Handsome knows how good you are to him!!! We have it the other way around at our house…hubby wouldn’t touch an artichoke with a 10 foot pole, but I certainly would take seconds of your beautiful grilled numbers. Artichokes have to be the most photogenic vegetable ever…and you certainly did them justice~
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Kita Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 11:20 pm
I’m copying this comment to his desk for him to find in the morning
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I’m fairly new to artichokes, but I had them grill twice this year and loved them. I’m eager to give these guys a try!
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I have always wanted to know how to grill an artichoke. Didn’t realize it was so easy! I agree with Handsome, artichokes are deeeelish. I dip mine in Spectrum mayonnaise. The best!
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I totally know what you mean, I learned how to roast and carve a whole chicken, braise meat, and make a mean steak long before I lost my vegetarian label. But, I absolutely love artichokes and this looks like it’s right up my alley!!
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This is exactly what I was looking for! I’m new to artichokes and was looking for something other than mayo to dip them in. Thank you! We’d love it if you would link up your recipe at seasonalpotluck.com March is artichoke month! http://bit.ly/zRfNjo
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