Artichoke fans, the season is almost here! Try my super simple pressure cooker artichokes with a tasty lemon mayo dip this spring!
A Spring Gem
Don't shy away from this prickly-looking green vegetable! Artichokes are a nutrition powerhouse. They provide adequate sources of fiber (7 grams a serving), vitamin C, folate, and vitamin K. The fiber, Inulin, is a type of prebiotic that feeds our healthy gut bacteria (probiotics). Artichokes also have an estimated 4 grams of protein per serving which is more than most vegetables. In addition, they contain cancer-fighting flavonoids (one in particular known as Apigenin) that may reduce the risk of breast and pancreatic cancers.
While perusing your local produce aisle (or Farmer's Market) look for ones with leaves that are tight and make a squeaky sound when rubbed together. The most common varieties in the U.S. are the Globe and the Big Heart which range in colors of gorgeous shades of green and purple. For more on types of artichokes and how to store them, read more from The Spruce Eats.
Pressure Cooker Artichokes
Delicious artichokes can be done in half the cooking time thanks to the Instant Pot! Set it and forget it! If you don't have an Instant Pot, I highly recommend it. If you are not interested in having one, artichokes can also easily be cooked in a steamer pot for about 25 minutes or so!
To trim the artichokes, remove the outer layers and cut off the top inch or two of the artichoke leaves. I used a sharp set of kitchen shears. Trim at least a ¼ inch of the stem. Rinse the artichokes and pat dry with a towel before steaming.
Steamed artichokes have more antioxidants than boiled artichokes; almost three times more! I learned this from my new favorite book, Eating on the Wild Side by Jo Robinson. It is pure genius! On each page I learned something new about fruits and vegetables and their micronutrient content, I highly recommend it and would not be surprised if it became a new classic on your bookshelf!
Below, I have attached a video on how to trim artichokes. Not as scary as it seems, I promise! Wishing you all a very joyful and fresh spring season!
Pressure Cooker Artichokes
Artichoke fans, the season is almost here! Try my super simple Pressure Cooker Artichokes with a tasty lemon mayo dip! Ready in 20 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
4-6 whole artichokes, medium to large size, trimmed
One lemon, halved
4 cloves garlic (2 whole cloves for steaming optional)
One bay leaf (optional)
Lemon Mayo Dip:
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
Remaining 2 cloves garlic, minced
Remaining half a lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
To trim the artichokes, remove the outer layers and cut off the top inch or two of the artichoke leaves. I used a sharp set of kitchen shears. Trim at least a ¼ inch of the stem. Rinse the artichokes and pat dry with a towel before steaming.
Rub the artichokes with a lemon (cut in half) or with lemon juice (keeps from browning).
Insert the steamer rack into the bottom of the pot. Fill the Instant Pot with the desired amount of water (depending on the instant pot quart size and the number of artichokes). Add in lemon wedges and garlic cloves (optional).
Place the artichokes into the bottom with the stems facing up, or cut side down.
Close the lid and set the vent to the sealing position. Select the Manual cook time of 10-15 minutes (15 minutes for larger artichokes). Carefully move the sealed position to Vent. When you're able to remove the lid after the pressure is released, use a pair of tongs to gently transfer the artichokes out of the instant pot.
Pair with your favorite dip or melted butter! Or try my Lemon Mayo dip recipe!
Lemon Mayo Dip:
Combine all wet ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together. Mix in the chives.
Notes
To trim the artichokes, remove the outer layers and cut off the top inch or two of the artichoke leaves. I used a sharp set of kitchen shears. Trim at least a ¼ inch of the stem.
Don't have an Instant Pot? Can be done in a steamer pot for 25-30 min.
