Artichokes, with their unique shape and layered leaves, might seem daunting if you’re unfamiliar with them. Many first-timers wonder how to cook and eat this intriguing vegetable. Don’t worry, preparing artichokes is simpler than you might think!
Understanding the Artichoke
The artichoke is actually a flower bud from the thistle family. What we call the “leaves” are bracts that surround a fuzzy center known as the “choke”. Beneath the choke lies the “heart,” the most prized part of the artichoke.
The heart is entirely edible and incredibly flavorful. The choke is generally too fibrous to eat in mature artichokes, though it’s tender in baby artichokes. Most of the outer leaves are tough, and you’ll need to use your teeth to scrape off the tender, fleshy base.
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Why Steaming is a Great Method for Cooking Artichokes
While there are various ways to cook artichokes – boiling, grilling, braising, or baking – steaming stands out as the easiest and often the best method. Boiling can sometimes make artichokes waterlogged, diluting their natural flavor. Steaming, however, cooks them perfectly using moist heat, preserving their texture and taste.
Steaming artichokes is a method that has been trusted for years. To enhance the flavor even further, consider adding aromatics to the steaming water. Bay leaves, garlic cloves, and lemon slices infuse the artichokes with subtle, complementary notes as they cook.
You can steam artichokes on the stovetop with a steamer basket or in a pressure cooker for quicker results. However, stovetop steaming offers more control, preventing overcooking which can easily happen in a pressure cooker.
Selecting the Best Artichokes for Preparation
Choosing fresh, high-quality artichokes is key to a delicious dish. Here are some tips to guide you when you’re shopping:
- Weight: Pick up a few artichokes and compare their weight. The best artichokes will feel heavy for their size, indicating they are dense and full of moisture, not dried out.
- Squeak Test: Gently squeeze the artichoke. Fresh artichokes should make a slight “squeaking” sound when their leaves rub together, a sign of freshness.
- Leaf Appearance: Look for artichokes with tightly closed leaves, with only slight separation. An artichoke is a flower bud, and as it matures, the leaves begin to open. Widely opened leaves suggest an older artichoke.
- Frost Kissed Artichokes: Don’t be deterred if you see artichokes that appear to have frost damage, often looking slightly browned or blistered. These “frost-kissed” artichokes are actually considered a delicacy, often having a more intense and sweeter flavor than their unblemished counterparts, and sometimes even command a higher price.
Enjoy preparing and savoring this unique and healthy vegetable!
