Steamed Artichokes with Tahini Dipping Sauce
If you are thinking to yourself, “what is an artichoke?” then this one is for you. If you are already familiar with this delicious vegetable and are looking for a simple way to prepare it, read on.
Artichokes are the immature bud of a thistle and are considered (by at least by myself) the aardvarks of the plant family. If this turned you off already, please hold that thought until you actually try this easy recipe.
Artichokes are one of my favorite healthy foods, and they are fun to eat! Did you know that besides being a good source of folate, iron, protein, vitamin C, and magnesium, as well as other beneficial nutrients, artichokes are also high in inulin, a special fiber that encourages a healthy environment in your gut?
Check out the recipe below for a way to add artichokes to any meal to give it a fun and healthy boost.
Steamed Artichokes with Tahini Dipping Sauce
30 minutes, 2 servings
Ingredients
4 Artichokes
1/2 cup Tahini (sesame seed butter)
2 Tbsps Lemon Juice
2 Tbsps Warm water
2 Garlic cloves, grated or minced
1 sprinkle Cayenne Pepper (optional)
Directions
Prepare your artichokes by trimming the tips and excess stem. Rinse under running water.
Bring 3 inches of water in a pot to a boil. Insert a steaming basket and add the artichokes. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to a simmer, and steam for about 30 minutes or until the leaves peel off easily.
Meanwhile, whisk tahini, lemon juice, warm water, and grated or minced garlic cloves in a small bowl. Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if you like a kick.
Enjoy by peeling the artichoke leaves and dip the fleshy end into the tahini dip. Use your teeth to scrape the flesh and discard the remaining leaf (I put the leftover leaves in my compost pile). Repeat until you reach the fuzzy choke. Scrape out and discard this part but spare the artichoke heart underneath which is the best part!