Iron Skillet Artichokes
Artichokes are one of my top 5 favorite foods to eat! There is not much better than a steaming hot artichoke dripping with lemon butter. They have been one of my favorites since I was a little kid. I am so fortunate that my mom always made us try everything and never made a different kid meal from what the adults ate. I really think this early introduction to food variety stretched my kid-size food comfort zone in a good way. Don’t get me wrong, there were nights I hated it! Poached salmon for example, totally disgusting and the memory still haunts me! Thanks mom. However, other nights she hit it out of the park and bam, I became an artichoke lover for life!
Besides the easy prep and amazing taste, there are dozens of reasons to add artichokes to your diet. ARTICHOKES ARE RIDICULOUSLY GOOD FOR YOU! They are full of fiber and antioxidants, and loaded with vitamins and minerals! Sadly, most people only consume mere fractions of artichoke commonly found in cheesy artichoke dip slathered on a tortilla chip. Ugh. There are so many ways to cook and eat an artichoke, and they are super easy to cook!
I do not claim to be a recipe creator, but I do experiment with food and often stumble across new recipes every now and then. For the most part I just cook and add in a little creativity. I really never follow a recipe. Most things I make I never make the same way twice. For me a recipe is just a good starting point. So I wouldn’t really call this an artichoke recipe, it’s just the way I cook them.
Wash the artichoke well.
Cut about 1/2 inch off the stem of the bottom of the artichoke. DON’T CUT OFF THE ENTIRE STEM!! Then cut off the stickers on the tips of the bloom. This is a great quick video that shows you what I mean. Cutting an artichoke before cooking.
Put the artichoke in a pot of water. Almost cover with water if possible. They float so there will always be some above the water line
Boil the artichoke until you can pull a leaf off effortlessly. About 1 hour. Try not to over cook it, especially if you are going to move it to the grill or iron skillet because it will fall apart when you cut it. If it does come apart, don’t worry, it will still taste awesome! Keep in mind some artichokes are tougher and need to cook longer. I have cooked them up to 2 hours before!
Remove the artichoke from the water and drain all the water out.
AT THIS PONIT YOU COULD EAT THE ARTICHOKE! YOU DON’T HAVE TO COOK IT ANYMORE! IF YOU WANT TO JUST EAT IT WITH LEMON BUTTER AT THIS POINT YOU CAN! I JUST TAKE IT A STEP FURTHER!
Place the artichoke stem up on a cutting board and cut through the middle of the stem, down, all the way through the flower creating 2 halves.
Brush both halves on both sides with olive oil.
Generously sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Heat an iron skillet to medium high heat or any skillet if you don’t have an iron skillet. An iron skillet is just my favorite!
Place the artichoke halves in the skillet and sear on both sides. I sear the open half that is exposing the heart the longest. I really like it when it gets crispy and I like to almost blacken them.
when they are done serve them with lemon or lime butter!
Artichoke cut in half and searing in the skillet. Don’t forget to sear both sides. I usually cook the open side the longest.
Iron Skillet Artichoke served with lemon butter!Can you tell I really like pepper?!!
NOT SURE HOW TO EAT THE ARTICHOKE? HERE ARE A COUPLE VIDOES THAT MAY HELP YOU OUT!
Make sure you enjoy the leaves in the butter! Don’t throw them out!
Eat well, Kate
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