Description
Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Butter is a vibrant Mediterranean appetizer featuring fresh artichokes boiled until tender, then grilled to achieve a smoky char. Served warm with a rich garlic, lemon, and parsley-infused butter, this dish combines fresh citrus notes with flavorful herbs for a healthy, delicious start to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Artichokes
- 4 large fresh artichokes
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Artichokes: Fill a large pot with water and squeeze the juice from one lemon half into the water, then add the squeezed lemon halves to the pot to prevent browning. Trim the stems so the artichokes sit flat, cut about 1 inch off the top, and use kitchen scissors to snip off the sharp leaf tips. Slice each artichoke lengthwise in half and scoop out the fuzzy choke with a spoon. Place the prepared artichokes into the lemon water to keep them from discoloring.
- Boil the Artichokes: Bring the pot of water to a boil and add the artichokes. Boil for 20 to 25 minutes until they are just tender when pierced with a knife. Drain the artichokes and pat them dry thoroughly with a towel to prepare for grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat to prepare for cooking. This medium temperature ensures the artichokes cook through without burning.
- Season and Grill: Brush the cut sides of the artichokes generously with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Place them cut side down on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until grill marks appear. Flip and continue to grill for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the artichokes to lightly char and become fully heated through.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Stir well to blend the flavors together, creating a fragrant and zesty dipping sauce.
- Serve: Plate the grilled artichokes warm, spoon the garlic butter over the top or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy this flavorful, healthy appetizer that highlights the fresh quality of artichokes.
Notes
- Ensure the fuzzy choke is completely removed from each artichoke half before grilling as it is inedible and can affect the texture.
- For an enhanced smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill rather than gas or electric.
- You can substitute the garlic butter with a light lemon vinaigrette for a lighter alternative that complements the artichokes beautifully.
