This is a simple recipe I make quite often at our house, especially when our artichokes plants are at their fullest.  One of the best parts of this recipe is how sweet the garlic cloves get when they are steamed with the artichokes.  I serve it drizzled with balsamic vinegar and a lemon pepper aioli sauce.

Ingredients:

Artichokes
Garlic cloves (sliced, but left fairly big)
Lemons
Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Mayonnaise
Lemon Pepper

How to Prep the Artichokes

First, it is always a good thing to have a well sharpened night and a good pair of kitchen sheers.

Start by cutting the top of the artichoke with your sharpened knife.  Then, trim the tips of each leaf to remove the sharp thorns.  I usually trim the steam to about a ½ inch.  However, some people like more stem, so it is about preference.  Steaming the stem I feel has a good texture, but has a bitter flavor.

 

 

 

 

 

Steaming the Artichokes

Use two to three cloves of garlic per artichoke.  Cut the cloves into large slices and stuff in between the center layers of leaves.

Put about two inches of water in a large pot and bring to boil.  Once boiling, put artichokes, stem down, into the water.  (You can use a rack if you would like, but I don’t feel like it is necessary.)

Drizzle artichokes with olive oil and then squeeze fresh lemon juice on artichokes.  I usually use about one lemon for about 3 artichokes.  Take another lemon and cut into slices.  Place two lemon slices on top of each artichoke.  If you have extras, you can just place them in the water.

 

 

 

 

 

Cover the pot and let steam for 45 – 60 min (depending on size).  Make sure to check water regularly and fill to about two inches whenever the water gets low.  This is very important because not only can you burn the artichokes, but you can destroy your pot as well.

Once you are able to put the artichoke leafs off fairly easy, you will know they are ready.  Remove artichokes from pot and place on a plate.  Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

Making a Lemon Pepper Aioli Dip

Put a couple scoops up mayonnaise in a bowl.  Squeeze fresh lemon juice into bowl with mayonnaise.  Add lemon pepper to desired amount.  Wisk together.  Add more mayonnaise, lemon juice, or lemon pepper to taste and then serve.