How to cook artichokes
- Graham Holliday
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Discover how to prepare and cook globe artichokes. Learn how to steam or boil artichokes, plus delicious recipes including artichoke dip, pie and soup.
Looking to plant your own artichokes? Discover the best way to grow globe artichokes, from GardenersWorld.com.
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What are artichokes?
An artichoke is a type of a thistle plant with an immature edible flower bud known as the 'heart'.
What are globe artichokes?
Globe artichokes are considered to be the 'true' artichokes, which are available all year round, but at their best between June and November.
What are Jerusalem artichokes?
Jerusalem artichokes are completely unrelated to the former and not truly an artichoke. Instead, they are a variety of sunflower native to North America with a lumpy, brown-skinned tuber that often resembles a ginger root.
How to prepare artichokes
Watch our video for a step-by-step process for how to prepare artichokes:
- Snap back tough outer leaves until you begin to expose the pale yellow ones. Rub all cut surface with lemon juice as you go.
- Trim top off and pare down the leaves which cover the base of the heart.
- Use a teaspoon to remove the fibrous 'choke' buried in the centre. Discard.
Tip: Keep dipping the cut surfaces of the artichoke in lemon juice to stop them discolouring.
What to look for when choosing an artichoke
- Choose one that feels heavy - if it's light it might be dried out
- Look for artichokes with closed, compact leaves
- The leaves should 'squeak' when squeezed
How to cook globe artichokes
Artichokes are a simple replacement for a salad, although they take a little longer to prepare. This guide will explore how to prepare and cook globe artichokes using a variety of methods.
What is the best way to cook an artichoke?
You can boil, bake and grill artichokes, however we consider steaming to be the easiest and tastiest method of cooking them as it results in a good level of moisture. Boiling will also ensure a soft texture however, if you prefer this method.
Steaming method
- Unsurprisingly the bigger the artichoke, the longer the steaming time. Anything up to 30 or 40 minutes. The smaller ones normally take around 20 minutes or so. Larger artichokes can be slightly bitter compared to their smaller cousins.
- You'll need a good inch or so of water to steam. You can also cool the water down after cooking to make a healthy iced artichoke tea.
- Before steaming, lop the stalk off. Some people also add garlic and lemon to the water.
- You can tell when your artichoke is cooked by nimbly taking off a leaf. If it falls off easily, it's probably cooked. But, to be sure - cool it down and take a bite from the bottom of the leaf i.e. the part nearest the innards of artichoke. It's a small part, but this is the only part of the leaf that is edible.
Boiling method
- Remove the tough leaves close to the base of the artichokes.
- Cut off the stems completely, so the artichokes will sit flat.
- Cook in plenty of lightly salted, boiling water. It will take 15-30 mins, depending on the size and freshness of the artichoke, so check from 15 mins onwards.
- The best test of doneness is when a leaf from the middle pulls away easily. Drain well, upside down so the water runs out.
How to eat globe artichokes
You eat it by, how scooping the flesh along the leaf. It has an incredibly soft texture, or it should have if it's cooked... If not, steam for a bit longer. Some people prefer their artichokes cold, or cool. Either way, you can eat them freshly cooked or the next day. They will keep in the fridge.
The only other thing you'll need to prepare is a vinaigrette salad dressing. You eat by plucking the leaves and dipping the fleshy part into the dressing. Make sure you have a large plate on the table to dispose of the leaves. You might be surprised just how much larger artichoke debris is in relation to the parts you eat.
Lastly, the most succulent, chunky, edible part is buried deep inside - the artichoke heart. Once you've devoured the leaves you'll find a stack of 'hair' hiding the heart below. The hairy choke is inedible so take it out using a teaspoon. You will then be left with the heart and the remains of the stem.
Now you can enjoy the deep, soft and subtle flavour of the fleshiest part of this incredible green. If that's all a bit too simple for you, try some of the below recipes using this versatile vegetable.
Top 6 artichoke recipes
Artichoke & aubergine rice
This vibrant paella-style dish is packed with flavour, yet low in fat and calories. A perfect budget family midweek meal – this recipe can be batch cooked and frozen, ready to whip out on a busy evening.
Spinach & artichoke filo pie
Serve this impressive vegetarian pie for a dinner party centerpiece. Packed with ricotta, spinach, leeks, sundried tomatoes and canned artichoke hearts - it's the perfect way to boost your veg intake, whilst also indulging. For more pastry inspiration, check out our artichoke, bacon & cheese tart or rustic artichoke & wild mushroom pie.
Cheesy spinach & artichoke dip
This indulgent dip is perfect for your next party or gathering. Serve it with hunks of bread, crudités and tortilla chips for the ultimate veggie spread.
Watercress & artichoke soup
This vibrant green soup combines canned artichoke hearts with watercress and potato to make a nourishing meal, perfect for a quick lunch or starter.
Crispy fried artichokes with rosemary & chilli honey
These crispy, golden artichokes make a great party nibble, and are served with a sticky, hot honey drizzle.
Artichoke focaccia
Give this popular Italian bread a tasty twist by filling the dough with artichoke antipasti. As the mixture is preserved in oil, it will accentuate the flavour as well as adding a moistness to the bread.
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You can watch our guide on how to prepare a globe artichoke, or discover all of our artichoke recipes.
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