Steaming Artichokes: The Bag Method

Steaming is a great way to cook artichokes, bringing out their delicate, nutty-yet-sweet flavour. It's also the classic way to cook them, so you can pluck the leaves from the heart and eat the edible flesh with your teeth. To steam artichokes, you'll need a large lidded pot, fresh artichokes, and melted butter or a sauce for dipping. You'll also need to prepare the artichokes before steaming them, which involves trimming the stems and leaves. The artichokes are then placed in the pot with some water, brought to a boil, and steamed for around 20-45 minutes, depending on their size.

How to prepare artichokes for steamer bags

Preparing artichokes for steamer bags is a simple process, but it can be a little daunting the first time. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get perfect results.

Firstly, make sure you have the right equipment. Artichokes start to brown as soon as you cut them, so you will need a lemon to rub on the cut surfaces to prevent discolouration. You will also need a cutting board, a peeler, a large pot, and a steamer basket.

Start by preparing the stem. Peel off any small, tough petals on the artichoke stem. Then, use a knife to trim the end of the stem—you only need to cut off a little. The stem is edible and has a wonderful meaty texture, so you will want to cook and eat it. After trimming, gently score the stem to help it cook more quickly, and rub with lemon to prevent browning.

Next, use a peeler to trim away the tough outer skin of the artichoke stem, and rub the peeled sides with lemon juice.

Now, prepare the artichoke leaves. Slice off the top of the artichoke, about half an inch to an inch. At this point, your artichoke will have a flat top with a few rows of pointy leaves around the sides. Rub the cut, flat leaves with lemon juice, and use kitchen shears to trim off the pointy tips of the lower leaves.

Your artichoke is now ready for steaming! Place it in the steamer basket, and cook according to your preferred method.

Once cooked, artichokes can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. They are a wonderful appetizer, and the leaves can be peeled off and dipped in melted butter or another sauce. To eat, scrape off the tender meat with your teeth, discarding the tough, fibrous shell. Once you have eaten all the leaves, you will be left with the cup-shaped artichoke heart and stem, which can be enjoyed with olive oil, sea salt, and lemon juice, or dipped in sauce.

How to cook artichokes in steamer bags

Steamer bags are a great way to cook artichokes, and it's super easy to do! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook artichokes in steamer bags:

Selecting and Preparing the Artichokes:

• Choose fresh artichokes that are plump, firm, and heavy for their size. The leaves can be green or purple but should be tightly closed.
• Before cooking, use a serrated knife to slice off the top third of each artichoke. You can also use kitchen shears to trim any remaining spikes from the outer leaves.
• To prepare the stem, peel off any tough, small petals, and trim the end. The stem is edible and has a meaty texture, so you'll want to cook and eat it too.
• Gently score the stem to help the artichoke cook more quickly, and rub it with lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Use a peeler to remove the tough outer skin of the stem, then rub the peeled sides with lemon juice.

Setting Up the Steamer Bag:

• Fill the steamer bag with 1-2 inches of water, adding lemon juice, garlic, or bay leaf for extra flavor (optional).
• Place the prepared artichokes into the steamer bag, ensuring they are standing upright and have enough space to cook evenly.
• Seal the steamer bag according to the package instructions, making sure it is tightly closed.

Cooking the Artichokes:

• Place the sealed steamer bag in the microwave and follow the microwave instructions for cooking vegetables.
• Cook for 4 minutes on high power, then check for doneness. The artichokes are ready when the leaves can be easily pulled out.
• If the artichokes are not done, continue cooking in one-minute intervals until they are tender.

Serving the Artichokes:

• Remove the artichokes from the steamer bag and transfer them to a serving plate or bowl.
• Artichokes can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
• Serve with melted butter, olive oil and lemon sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
• To eat, pull off the outer leaves, dip them in the sauce, and use your teeth to scrape off the tender meat.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy steamed artichokes!

How to check if artichokes are cooked

Steaming is the best and easiest way to cook artichokes. To check if they are cooked, you can try the following methods:

• Pull at a leaf in the middle of the artichoke. If it comes loose with a bit of resistance, it is done.
• Use tongs to lift the artichoke out of the pan and turn it stem-end up. Press a bamboo skewer into the centre of the stem through the heart. There should be some resistance, but not a lot.
• Pierce the bottom of the stem with a skewer. If it penetrates easily, the artichoke is cooked.
• Check if the outer leaves can be pulled off easily.
• Check if the artichoke is fork-tender.

Artichokes can be cooked in many different ways, including braising, baking, searing, boiling, grilling, or serving raw in a salad. However, steaming is the preferred method as it is easy, hands-off, and showcases the vegetable's delicate flavour.

How to store cooked artichokes

Cooked artichokes are best stored in the fridge or freezer. If stored in the fridge, they should be consumed within 3-5 days. If stored in the freezer, they can last for 10-12 months.

Firstly, allow the cooked artichokes to cool down at room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible. Place the container or bag in the fridge or freezer.

If storing in the freezer, it is recommended to first place the artichokes on a baking tray, ensuring they are spread out, and to sprinkle them with lemon juice to prevent discolouration. Freeze for about 4 hours, then transfer to freezer bags, dividing the artichokes into meal-sized portions. Label the bags with the date and the number of servings.

To defrost, cooked artichokes should be transferred from the freezer to the fridge and allowed to thaw overnight. Alternatively, they can be defrosted in the microwave for a few minutes, then cooked immediately to prevent bacteria from building up.

What to serve with steamed artichokes

Steamed artichokes are a delicious and healthy treat, and there are many ways to serve and eat them. Here are some ideas for what to serve with steamed artichokes to make a delicious and well-rounded meal:

Dipping Sauces

The most popular way to serve steamed artichokes is with a dipping sauce. Melted butter is a classic choice, and you can add some lemon juice or garlic to give it a little extra kick. You can also serve them with a creamy sauce like Hollandaise or a vinaigrette. If you're feeling fancy, try making an aioli or anchovy-garlic butter.

Proteins

Artichokes go well with a variety of proteins. Fish, chicken, lamb, and shrimp are all great choices. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try pairing artichokes with eggs or cheese. You can also stuff artichokes with breadcrumbs, garlic, and cheese, or serve them with a side of spaghetti and meatballs.

Starches

If you're looking for a more filling meal, serve your artichokes with some starches. Potatoes are a great option, especially if you're already serving fish or meat. You could also try flatbread or spaghetti, as suggested above.

Vegetables

Artichokes can be paired with a variety of vegetables to make a tasty and nutritious meal. Mushrooms are a great choice, especially when pan-tossed with oil, garlic, and parsley. Asparagus is another good option, or you could try a salad with arugula and Parmesan cheese.

Herbs and Spices

To enhance the flavour of your artichokes, serve them with aromatic herbs such as thyme, parsley, basil, or mint. Spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric will also add a nice earthy flavour to your meal.

Wine

If you're looking for the perfect wine pairing, keep in mind that artichokes contain a chemical substance called cynarin, which can affect the way things taste after you eat them. Try pairing your artichokes with a wine that has sweetish, bitter, and metallic sensations.

With these ideas in mind, you can create a delicious and well-rounded meal featuring steamed artichokes!

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