How to Steam an Artichoke

One of my favorite snacks growing up were steamed artichokes and a little bit of mayo. My mom would cook one or two artichokes after school or on a weekend. We would sit at the table and just talk while we savored our rare treat. My mom was raising my brother and me all by herself (and she did a great job if you ask me!) so sometimes we had to go without some of the non-necessity items. Unfortunately, artichokes fell into that category. My brother didn't like them (at the time) so that became much needed time with my mom and has become cherished memories for me.

I know that artichokes are not everyone's cup of tea and that's fine. I thought that I would share how I prepare them for those that love them (like me!) or want to try them, but aren't quite sure how to cook them.

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Your List of Ingredients

• Steamer Pot or Basket

• An Artichoke

• Water

• Salt

• 1/4 Cup Mayo (Optional)

Setting up the Steamer

If using a steamer basket, you will also need a stock pot.

A steamer pot should come with a stock pot and a secondary pot that has holes in the bottom.

Fill the stock pot with about an inch to two inches of water.

Add desired amount of salt to the water.

Place steamer pot or basket in the pot.

Let's Get Steamy!

Wash the artichoke with cool water.

Add the artichoke to the basket and turn the stove on medium.

Cook for 30 minutes or until leaves peel off easily.

Eating Artichoke

For those that don't know, to eat an artichoke you pull off a leaf.

Dip round end in mayo.

Holding onto the pointed end, stick the leaf in your mouth and scrape (Do Not Bite) the inside bottom half with your teeth.

Once all the leaves are gone, you should have the stem, the heart (the round part that surrounds the fuzz), and the fuzzy insides of the heart.

Remove the inedible fuzz from the heart and slice the heart into bite size pieces.

The entire heart is edible.

Some people eat the stem but I personally don't like the texture of it.

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Have Fun with It!

This is just a basic way to prepare artichokes. You can add pretty much any spice to the water that you would like. I have added garlic and thyme to the water, and I have also made a simple spicy mayo to go with it. The possibilities are nearly endless. You can use the heart to make this delicious Spinach Artichoke Dip!