Garlic-Infused Steamed Artichokes with Zesty Lemon Butter
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of spring with these Garlic-Infused Steamed Artichokes served with a Zesty Lemon Butter sauce. This delicious dish transforms the simple artichoke into an elegant appetizer or side, perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. The steaming process ensures the artichokes remain tender and succulent, while the rich garlic and fresh lemon butter adds a delightful zest that enhances the natural flavors. Gather your friends and family to share this exquisite dish, perfect for low-protein diets and veggie lovers alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Artichokes
4 (Trimmed stems and tops cut off)
Olive Oil
1/4 cup (To sauté garlic)
Garlic
10 cloves (Minced)
Fresh Thyme
2 teaspoons (Minced (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme))
Fresh Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (Juiced from fresh lemons)
Butter
1/2 cup (To be melted with garlic)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the artichokes: using a sharp knife, trim the stems and cut off the top 1 1/2 inches from each artichoke to remove the thorny tips.
2
With a pair of kitchen scissors, carefully trim off the pointed tips of the outer leaves to create a more polished look and remove any excess fibrous layers.
3
Arrange the prepared artichokes upright in a steamer basket, ensuring there is enough space for steam to circulate freely around each one.
4
Fill a pot with water to just below the steamer basket and bring it to a gentle boil. Cover and steam the artichokes for approximately 25 minutes or until a knife easily pierces through the base, adding more water if necessary.
5
While the artichokes are steaming, prepare the garlic lemon butter: in a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering.
6
Add the minced garlic and thyme, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
7
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and butter, whisking continuously until the butter melts and the mixture is well combined.
8
Season the buttery sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed to enhance the flavors.
9
Once the artichokes are done steaming, carefully remove them from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving.
10
Serve the warm artichokes with the zesty garlic lemon butter on the side. To eat, pull off the leaves and dip them in the sauce, scraping the tender flesh with your teeth. Once you reach the heart, enjoy it fully dunked in the flavorful butter!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is Garlic-Infused Steamed Artichokes with Zesty Lemon Butter.
How many artichokes are required for this recipe?
You will need 4 fresh artichokes.
What are the primary flavors in the dipping sauce?
The dipping sauce features rich garlic, fresh lemon juice, butter, and thyme.
How do I prepare the artichokes before steaming?
Trim the stems, cut off the top 1 1/2 inches, and use scissors to snip off the thorny tips of the outer leaves.
How long should the artichokes be steamed?
They should be steamed for approximately 25 minutes or until a knife easily pierces the base.
How should the artichokes be positioned in the steamer?
Arrange them upright in the steamer basket with enough space for steam to circulate.
How much garlic is used in the lemon butter sauce?
The recipe calls for 10 minced cloves of garlic.
What kind of oil is used to sauté the garlic?
You should use 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?
Yes, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How much butter is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of butter.
How much lemon juice should be added?
Use 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
What is the first step in making the garlic lemon butter?
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan until shimmering.
How long should I sauté the garlic and thyme?
Sauté them for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to brown the garlic.
How do you eat the steamed artichokes?
Pull off the leaves, dip them in the sauce, and scrape the tender flesh off with your teeth.
What should I do when I reach the artichoke heart?
Once you reach the heart, enjoy it fully dunked in the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-protein diet?
Yes, this dish is specifically noted as being perfect for low-protein diets.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
What tools are needed for trimming the artichokes?
You will need a sharp knife for the stems and tops, and kitchen scissors for the leaf tips.
What should I do if the steaming water runs low?
You should add more water to the pot if necessary during the 25-minute steaming process.
How do I season the sauce?
Season the buttery sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Should the artichokes be served hot or cold?
The recipe recommends serving the artichokes warm.
What season is this recipe best for?
It is described as a spring recipe that celebrates the vibrant flavors of the season.
Can this be served as a main dish?
It is typically served as an elegant appetizer or a side dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: artichokes, olive oil, garlic, thyme, lemon juice, and butter.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be minced before being sautéed in olive oil.
How much fresh thyme is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of minced fresh thyme.
Does this recipe include sugar or fiber data?
No, nutritional values like sugar, fiber, and calories are not provided in this specific record.
What is the final step before serving the sauce?
The final step is to whisk in the lemon juice and butter until melted and combined, then season with salt and pepper.
How much top portion should be removed from the artichoke?
You should cut off the top 1 1/2 inches from each artichoke.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include artichokes, garlic butter, lemon, steamed vegetables, low protein, appetizer, and vegetarian.