We love Globe Artichokes! They are super easy to cook, fun to eat and super nutritious!

Artichokes contain powerful antioxidants and phytonutrients that are extremely healing for the body. The nutrition in artichokes help to lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, support liver function and increase bile production. They are also high in fiber and magnesium and nourish the gut lining.

You can boil, grill, braise, or bake an artichoke. But our favorite way to cook them (and the easiest way!) is to steam them. We loved the steamed artichoke served warm or at room temperature with one of our favorite dipping sauces.

Instructions for steaming the perfect artichoke and recipes for our favorite dipping sauces below!

Steamed Artichoke

Ingredients

1 or more large globe artichokes
1-2 cloves garlic, cut in half (can leave skin on)
1 bay leaf
1 lemon, quartered

Instructions:

1. Prepare artichokes for steaming: First, peel off a few of the tougher outer leaves. Using a serrated knife, cut off top 1/3 of artichoke. Trim stem so artichoke stands upright.

2. Set a steamer basket in a large pot; add enough water so it reaches just below the basket. Add garlic cloves, bay leaf and lemon pieces into the water, bring to a boil.

3. Place the artichoke in steamer basket. Cover the pot, and steam until heart is tender when pierced with a tip of a paring knife, and inner leaves pull out easily, 50 minutes; Add more water to pot, if necessary.

4. Serve warm or at room temperature with our Vegan Aioli or Lemon Dressing. (recipes below)

Vegan Aioli

1 cup of cashews (soaked)
1/2 cup of water
2 cloves of garlic
Juice of a lemon
Zest of a lemon
1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
1-2 pinches of salt

Soak the cashews for at least two hours or, ideally, overnight. Drain, then add the rest of the ingredients into a blender. Blend until the sauce is absolutely smooth. Taste and feel free to add additional salt or lemon.