Steaming Artichokes: Quick Microwave Method

Cooking artichokes in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare this delicious and nutritious vegetable. It is a simple method that requires minimal prep work and can be done in just a few minutes. This technique is especially useful if you are short on time or don't want to use a stove or oven. The key to success is to create a steaming effect by adding a small amount of water to the microwave-safe dish and covering it with a lid or plastic wrap. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the artichoke and the power of your microwave, so it's important to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Once cooked, artichokes can be enjoyed hot or cold with various dipping sauces, such as melted butter, aioli, or garlic mayo.

Trimming the artichoke: cut the stems and the tips of the leaves

Trimming the artichoke is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that the artichoke is safe to eat and also helps it to cook evenly.

To start, you'll want to cut the stems of the artichokes. The stems are the tough, fibrous parts at the base of the vegetable. You can use a sharp chef's knife or a serrated knife to cut off the stems, leaving about 1/2-inch to 1 inch attached to the artichoke. Try to keep as much of the green stem as possible, as it is one of the most delicious and tender parts of the cooked artichoke.

Next, you'll want to trim the tips of the leaves. The outer leaves of artichokes can have tiny thorns or sharp spikes, so it's important to use kitchen shears or scissors to carefully trim these off. You only need to trim a small amount from the tips of the leaves to remove the thorns.

Once you've trimmed the stems and leaves, you'll want to give the artichokes a quick rinse under cold running water. Gently open the leaves slightly to ensure that you're rinsing off any dirt or residue. Then, hold the artichokes upside down to drain any excess water.

Now your artichokes are ready for the next steps in the cooking process!

Preparing the artichoke for the microwave: rinse, cover with plastic wrap or a lid

Preparing artichokes for the microwave is simple and only takes a few minutes. First, trim the artichoke by cutting off the stem and cutting off the tips of any sharp leaves. You can use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to do this. If the artichoke has large thorns, cut off the top third of its leaves. Then, rinse the artichoke under cold running water, gently opening the leaves to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned.

Once rinsed, place the artichoke in a microwave-safe dish or bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. The container should be large and deep enough to fit the artichoke comfortably. If using plastic wrap, ensure it is microwave-safe and that you create a tight seal to trap the steam as the artichoke cooks.

Cooking time: 5-11 minutes on high heat, depending on the size of the artichoke

Cooking artichokes in the microwave is a simple and convenient way to prepare this delicious vegetable. The cooking time will depend on the size of the artichoke, the power of your microwave, and the number of artichokes being cooked.

For a single artichoke, cooking times can range from 5 to 10 minutes on high heat. If you are cooking multiple artichokes, the cooking time will be longer. For example, two small artichokes may take around 8 minutes, while three medium to large artichokes may take up to 11 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary, so it is recommended to start with a shorter cooking time and check the doneness of the artichoke by gently tugging on the outer leaves. If the leaves release easily and the flesh is tender, the artichoke is done. If it needs more time, you can return it to the microwave and cook in additional 2-minute increments until it is done to your liking.

Additionally, the size and surface area of the baking dish can also impact the cooking time. A larger dish will result in a longer cooking time, while a smaller dish will cook the artichoke faster.

By following these guidelines and adjusting the cooking time as needed, you can easily prepare delicious and tender artichokes in your microwave steamer.

Resting time: let the artichoke stand for 5-6 minutes after cooking

Resting time is an important step in the artichoke cooking process. After cooking, the artichokes should be left to stand, covered, for 5-6 minutes. This allows the artichokes to finish steaming and helps to ensure they are tender. The trapped steam will continue to cook and tenderise the artichokes, so it's important not to skip this step or uncover the dish.

The artichokes will be very hot after cooking, so it's important to handle them with care. After resting, the artichokes can be tested for doneness by gently tugging on the outer leaves. If the leaves release easily and the flesh is tender, the artichokes are ready to eat. If not, they can be returned to the microwave for a few more minutes and then allowed to rest, covered, for the same amount of time.

The resting time will also give you a chance to prepare a dipping sauce to serve with your artichokes. Melted butter is a popular choice, or you could try aioli, garlic mayo, or a cajun-style dip.

Once the artichokes are cooked and rested, they can be served hot or allowed to cool to room temperature. They can also be chilled and served with dips such as tzatziki, Caesar dressing, or hummus.

Dipping sauces: melted butter, aioli, garlic mayo, or cajun sauce

There are many dipping sauces that can complement the flavour of artichokes. Here are some recipes for popular sauces that can be made at home:

Melted Butter

Melted butter is a classic dipping sauce for artichokes. It is simple to make and can be enhanced with various ingredients such as lemon, garlic, or tarragon. To make a basic melted butter sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. You can also add ingredients like lemon juice, garlic powder, or fresh herbs like tarragon or chives for extra flavour.

Aioli

Aioli is another popular choice for dipping artichokes. Aioli is a garlic mayonnaise sauce that can be made by mixing together mayonnaise, garlic, and other ingredients like lemon juice or balsamic vinegar. For a simple aioli, mix together mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon juice. You can also add other ingredients like tarragon or Worcestershire sauce to taste.

Garlic Mayo

A garlic mayo dipping sauce can be made by whisking together mayonnaise, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and sea salt to taste. This sauce is a perfect complement to artichokes and can be made in just a few minutes.

Cajun Sauce

For those who enjoy a little spice, a cajun dipping sauce can be a great option. To make a cajun sauce, mix together olive oil, tomato paste, and cajun seasoning. You can also add other ingredients like Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, or garlic to taste. This sauce adds a kick to your artichokes and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.

These dipping sauces can be served in a communal style, or you can provide individual portions for each guest. They are the perfect complement to steamed artichokes and can enhance the overall dining experience.

Frequently asked questions