Steamed Whole Artichokes & Aoili Garlic Mustard Sauce

A couple years ago I was out visiting family in California, and my sister-in-law made steamed artichokes. I was wowed, I never realized how simple this was to do and it makes for a great appetizer, snack, or side dish. I know I have some beginning cooks following blog and thought you guys might find this steamed artichoke post helpful. Usually I dip the artichoke in butter and lemon juice, or just eat it plain. Recently I tried it with this Aoili Garlic Mustard Sauce from Trader Joe's, and boy was it good.

Not just for dipping the artichoke, in fact I think I still like the artichoke better just dipped in butter and lemon juice, I'm still deciding. Back to this mustard though, pick some up the next time you're at Trader Joe's, it's good stuff, it's great on sandwiches, with sausages, and all of the other uses you have for mustard.

How To Steam an Artichoke
1. Wash artichoke under cold water
2. Cut off stems close to the base 
3. Put about 1 inch of water in a stove top pan (you can add a clove or two or garlic and a bay leaf for flavoring if you want, but it's not necesarry)
4. Add artichokes to pot 
5. Cover pot and bring to simmer, continue to simmer for about 40-50 minutes. 

How to Eat an Artichoke
1. Pull off petals 1 at a time
2. Dip in butter or sauce, if desired
3. Place flesh side down in your mouth and scrape meaty end with teeth, if it doesn't come off easily then it wasn't cooked enough
4. Once petals are eaten, scrape off the inedible fuzzy party covering the heart
5. Cut into pieces and dip into sauce to eat (this is the best part!) 

Comments

[Heather]

Awesome idea. I just hated waiting to steam the artichokes on the stove top... I learned that you can also microwave artichokes in only a few minutes. http://www.whattocook.com/tips/howtomicrowaveartichoke.html has these quick cooking instructions. If the url doesn't show, up, search for artichoke microwave cooking instructions.