artichokes
Artichokes are one of spring’s best offerings, but the perceived effort involved in breaking through its steely exterior often means they’re left on the supermarket shelf.

However, preparing artichokes is relatively simple when you know how and the pay-off – its sweet, soft heart and wonderful versatility – is worth it.

To take you through everything you need to know about preparing and eating artichokes, we tapped food experts Fran Abdallaoui and Pamela Clark for their expert tips.


How To Buy Artichokes

The globe artichoke is the large flower bud of the thistle and is a green, purple or bronze colour.

When buying artichokes, look for those with tightly packed leaves, or petals, and feel heavy for their size, with a firm stem.

The leaves of small artichokes can be slightly looser, but should still feel firm. When you pull back the leaves, the freshness should make itself known with a definite “snap”.

artichoke on a plate with lemon
How To Prepare Artichokes

Whole artichokes are often overlooked, but the leaves are quite delicious. To prepare a whole artichoke, remove the outer leaves and cut the stems so the artichoke sits flat.

However, the crown jewel of the artichoke is its centre, the tender heart.

To reach the artichoke heart, you first must cut the stem to about 3 cm. Then, cut 2 cm to 3 cm off the top of the artichoke, and snap off the leaves until you get to the heart.

Scoop the furry choke out of the centre of the heart with a teaspoon. Place the prepared artichoke hearts in acidulated water as you go, to prevent them browning.

artichoke dish
How To Cook Artichokes

This versatile plant lends itself to a number of easy and delicious cooking methods. From boiling to roasting, here’s our favourite ways to cook artichoke.

Boil: Place artichoke hearts in a saucepan of boiling water; boil, uncovered, for about 15 minutes or until tender when pierced.

Steam: Steam artichoke hearts for about 20 minutes.

Pan-fry: Cook artichoke hearts in a little butter until brown and crisp.

Roast: Cook artichoke hearts in a buttered shallow flameproof dish, briefly, until crisp.

Marinate: Cook artichoke hearts in olive oil, garlic and herbs; they are delicious served on an antipasto platter.

 

Spicy Crab and Mango Salad
Be amazed at how appetising and refreshingly tangy this spicy crab and mango salad tastes! (Photo: Rob Shaw/BauerSyndication.com.au)

Now, try cooking artichokes the right way and add them to this Spicy Crab and Mango Salad or this wholesome Falafel Couscous Plate.

Text: The Australian Women’s Weekly / Photos: Pixabay

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