Imagine transforming a simple vegetable into a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with delight! These Steamed Artichokes with Roasted Garlic Aioli are not just a recipe, they're a gastronomic journey that elevates home cooking to restaurant-quality elegance. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious yet surprisingly easy meal, this Italian-inspired dish promises to be your new favorite showstopper.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large artichokes
- 1 bulb garlic
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the artichokes. Rinse each artichoke under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim the stems to about 1 inch, and remove any small, tough leaves at the base. Use a sharp knife to cut about 1 inch off the top of each artichoke to remove the thorny tips. This will make them easier to eat later.
- Next, prepare the garlic for roasting. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the bulb of garlic and slice off the top quarter, exposing the individual cloves. Drizzle a little olive oil over the exposed cloves and wrap the bulb in aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and roast for about 30 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
- While the garlic is roasting, prepare the steamer. Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water and place a steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, carefully place the prepared artichokes in the steamer basket, stem side up. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the artichokes for about 25-30 minutes, or until the outer leaves can be easily pulled off and the base is tender when pierced with a knife.
- While the artichokes are steaming, prepare the roasted garlic aioli. Once the garlic is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their skins into a mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Once the artichokes are cooked, remove them from the steamer and let them cool slightly. Serve the artichokes warm with the roasted garlic aioli on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- • Always choose fresh, firm artichokes with tight, compact leaves for the best texture and flavor. • When trimming artichokes, use kitchen scissors for precision and to prevent bruising. • To check if artichokes are done, gently tug on an outer leaf - it should pull away easily. • Don't discard the stems! They're edible and have a similar taste to the heart when properly prepared. • For the aioli, let roasted garlic cool slightly before mixing to prevent burning your fingers. • Serve immediately after steaming for the most tender and flavorful experience. • Pair with a crisp white wine to complement the rich, garlicky aioli.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
