Ingredients
- large wok with tight-fitting lid, and a steamer basket
- 2 medium to large artichokes (globe or Jerusalem)
- 6 lemons
- 4 fat garlic cloves, thinly sliced, more if desired
Directions
Fill the wok with water (or a mix of water and white wine), coming up to about an inch from the bottom of the steamer basket (no water should come through the holes in the basket). Remove basket from wok. Squeeze the juice of two lemons into the water. Slice 2 lemons into rounds. Float the slices of one in the water, and layer the slices of the other, along with the sliced garlic, around the bottom inside of the steamer basket.
To prepare artichokes:
Cut off stem, leaving about 1-inch. Cut off the first 1-inch or so of the top. If desired, trim the sharp tips with scissors. Cut artichokes in half lengthwise, then squeeze the juice of two lemons over all. Place artichokes cut side down on top of the lemons and garlic in the steamer basket. If the steamer basket is still in the wok, remove it before heating the water.
Heat water almost to boiling, then turn the heat down to medium-low where it will still simmer slightly.
Place prepared steamer basket into the wok and cover tightly. Steam for about 35-50 min, until they have darkened, and a fork will go through the thick end. Try not to overcook. Remove basket from wok, place artichokes on a plate cut side up, and cut out the choke (fuzzy-looking stuff between the base of the leaves and the creamy delicious heart). Now you can serve these hot or cold. If hot, serve immediately with melted butter, or other sauce for dipping (flavored mayonnaise is good). Or, allow to cool on a plate, then transfer to a large zip-type bag and place in the fridge for a few hours. You can marinate them in the bag, or drizzle them at the table, with a vinaigrette. Cold, they are awesome for picnics! Just did that yesterday.
This is fairly basic, so have fun with it. Add freshly chopped herbs or chile peppers to the lemon/garlic mixture.
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Submitted 6/13/05.
Source: Me
Submitted By: Rebecca
pinkwind@ev1.net
Steamed Artichokes