Learn just how easy it is to make boiled artichokes by following my step-by-step guide & video. It's a hands-offsuper food snack or appetizer that's done in under 45 minutes, and seriously delicious served my favorite way - with the highly addictive Whipped Lemon Butter.
Add water to a large pot, there should be enough water to at least cover the artichokes. Salt the water and add in the lemon slices and the artichokes.
2 artichokes, 2 tablespoon salt, ½ lemon
Cover, bring to a boil, and simmer for 30-70 minutes until the leaves come off easily.
Take off the heat and place the artichokes upside-down in a strainer or on a plate, to remove excess water. Then serve with whipped lemon butter.
Whipped Lemon Butter (optional)
Melt ⅓ of the butter and let cool slightly.
⅓ cups salted butter
Place the melted butter in a bowl, preferably one with high sides, and cut the remaining butter into small pieces. Add a few pieces at a time to the melted butter, while mixing well with an electric whisk.
⅓ cups salted butter
Once all the butter has been added, mix in the lemon juice and taste test. Season with salt according to taste, cover, and place in the fridge until you want to serve.
Lemon can be skipped, but it adds flavor I like the taste it adds and it also keeps the artichokes from turning grey when cooking. Just make sure to wash the skin before slicing!
Fine table salt can be skipped but adds great flavor - it can also be switched for any other type of salt. Skip if steaming your artichokes.
Whole garlic cloves can be added to the water for extra flavor
Tips & Tricks
You don't have to trim the leaves, even if you will see that in most recipes - but you can if you want to
Cook time can vary a lot for both steamed and boiled artichokes, depending on how fresh your artichokes are and their size
Smaller and younger artichokes cook faster - sometimes in as little as 20 minutes
Larger and older artichokes will take longer - sometimes more than an hour
To remove excess water from boiled artichokes let them cool upside down in a strainer for a few minutes after cooking
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container - a whole artichoke is good for about a day, but the artichoke heart alone can be stored for at least 3 days
Leftovers can be eaten cold or heated in the microwave
Save leftover artichoke hearts and use in salads, pasta dishes or on pizza
Reheat artichokes in the microwave in 1 minute increments
How many artichokes to serve per person?
As an appetizer or one of a variety of dishes: half an artichoke per person is usually enough (1 if they are very small)If serving just artichokes as a snack: ½-1 artichoke per person will be perfect.
Can you overcook artichokes?
You can, but it's not something you need to be very afraid off. First of all, it doesn't make a big difference. Overcooked artichokes are a bit softer, but it doesn't affect taste. Second, they don't overcook in a second - so you have time to catch it. Just check regularly once they've cooked for 20-30 minutes and you will be fine.