Steamed Artichokes with Dipping Sauces

Steamed Artichokes with Dipping Sauces Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Servings: 4

Introduction

Steamed artichokes with dipping sauces is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light meal or appetizer. The artichokes are steamed to perfection and served with a flavorful lemon butter sauce that complements their natural taste. This recipe is a great way to enjoy artichokes and is sure to impress your guests.

History

Artichokes have been enjoyed for centuries and are believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region. They were prized by the ancient Greeks and Romans for their delicious taste and health benefits. Steamed artichokes with dipping sauces is a popular dish that has been enjoyed for generations and continues to be a favorite today.

Ingredients

4 large globe artichokes
1 lemon, halved
1 tsp sea salt

Lemon butter sauce

1 cup (2 sticks) melted unsalted butter
0.5 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
sea salt, to taste
ground pepper, to taste

How to prepare

Using a large knife, cut off the stems of the artichokes so that they can sit flat on the plate.
While working with one artichoke, place the others in a large bowl of water and lemon juice to prevent them from discoloring.
Cut off the top one-third of each artichoke.
Trim the points off the remaining bottom outer leaves.
Repeat the previous step with the remaining artichokes.
In a large pot, add 1-2 inches of water to the bottom and sprinkle with sea salt. Steam the artichokes for 20-30 minutes (depending on their size) until one of the leaves can be easily pulled out.
Drain the artichokes and serve them upright with lemon butter sauce. Alternatively, you can chill them and serve with a vinaigrette or flavored mayonnaise, such as Balsamic Vinaigrette, Dijon Vinaigrette, or Tarragon Mayonnaise.

Lemon butter sauce

Whisk together all the sauce ingredients and serve in small dipping bowls.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding different herbs and spices to the lemon butter sauce, such as garlic, parsley, or thyme. You can also experiment with different dipping sauces, such as aioli, pesto, or hollandaise.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When preparing artichokes, be sure to trim off the tough outer leaves and cut off the top to expose the tender heart. Steaming the artichokes helps to retain their natural flavor and nutrients. Be sure to check the artichokes periodically while steaming to ensure they are cooked to perfection.

Serving Suggestions

Steamed artichokes with dipping sauces can be served as a light meal or appetizer. They pair well with a variety of dishes, such as grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the artichokes helps to retain their natural flavor and nutrients. Be sure to check the artichokes periodically while steaming to ensure they are cooked to perfection.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have unsalted butter on hand, you can use olive oil or coconut oil as a substitute. You can also use vegetable broth or white wine in place of water for steaming the artichokes.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the artichokes in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the steamed artichokes on a platter with the lemon butter sauce in small dipping bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Steamed artichokes with dipping sauces pair well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. They also pair well with a light beer or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover artichokes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of steamed artichokes with dipping sauces contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a light and satisfying dish that is perfect for a healthy meal or snack.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of steamed artichokes with dipping sauces contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. Artichokes are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help to support digestive health and regulate blood sugar levels.

Fats

Each serving of steamed artichokes with dipping sauces contains approximately 20 grams of fat. The lemon butter sauce adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish, making it a satisfying and delicious meal.

Proteins

Each serving of steamed artichokes with dipping sauces contains approximately 5 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making this dish a nutritious and balanced option.

Vitamins and minerals

Steamed artichokes are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium. These nutrients are important for overall health and can help to support a strong immune system and healthy bones.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter), which may be a common allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies or sensitivities before preparing this dish.

Summary

Steamed artichokes with dipping sauces is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is a great option for a light and healthy meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Steamed Artichokes with Dipping Sauces. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, my eyes landed on a beautifully illustrated picture of artichokes with three different dipping sauces - a lemon garlic butter, a tangy mustard aioli, and a creamy herb dip.

I had always been a fan of artichokes, but I had never tried making them at home before. The thought of steaming them to perfection and pairing them with delicious dipping sauces was too tempting to resist. I immediately set out to learn the recipe and make it my own.

The first step was to find fresh artichokes. I remember going to the local farmer's market, where I met an elderly Italian woman who had a stall filled with the most beautiful artichokes I had ever seen. She taught me how to select the best ones - ones that were firm, with tightly packed leaves and a vibrant green color. I bought a handful of them and headed home, eager to start cooking.

I began by trimming the artichokes, cutting off the sharp tips of the leaves and the tough outer leaves at the base. I then used a pair of kitchen shears to snip off the top of the artichoke, revealing the tender heart inside. I placed the artichokes in a large pot with a steamer basket and added water, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. I covered the pot and let the artichokes steam for about 30 minutes, until they were tender and easy to pull off the leaves.

While the artichokes were steaming, I started on the dipping sauces. The first one I made was the lemon garlic butter sauce. I melted butter in a small saucepan and added minced garlic, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice. I seasoned it with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for a few minutes until the flavors melded together.

Next, I made the tangy mustard aioli. I combined mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a splash of white wine vinegar in a bowl. I whisked it all together until it was smooth and creamy, adjusting the flavors with a bit more mustard or vinegar as needed.

Lastly, I prepared the creamy herb dip. I mixed sour cream, chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, and dill), minced garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice in a bowl. I added a pinch of salt and pepper, tasting it to make sure the flavors were balanced.

By the time the dipping sauces were ready, the artichokes were perfectly steamed and ready to be served. I arranged them on a platter, alongside the three bowls of dipping sauces. The colors and aromas were so inviting, I couldn't wait to dig in.

As I sat down to enjoy my creation, I couldn't help but think about all the wonderful people who had helped me along the way - the elderly Italian woman at the farmer's market, my own grandmother who had passed down her love of cooking to me, and all the chefs and home cooks whose recipes had inspired me over the years.

Each bite of the steamed artichoke dipped in a different sauce was a burst of flavor and nostalgia. The tender leaves, the meaty heart, and the creamy sauces all worked together in perfect harmony. It was a dish that brought back memories of my own childhood, and I knew it was one that I would continue to make for years to come.

And so, that is how I learned to make Steamed Artichokes with Dipping Sauces - a recipe that has now become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire. I am grateful for all the people and experiences that have shaped my cooking journey, and I look forward to passing this recipe down to future generations, just as it was passed down to me.