Artichokes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any meal. Their unique texture and flavor make them a great side dish or appetizer for any occasion.
Artichokes are a tasty, healthful vegetable. But let’s be honest, if you’re trying to make them the old-fashioned way – boiling them on the stovetop – it can take forever!
However, artichoke preparation is a snap if you have an Instant Pot.
Let’s take a peek at how to steam artichokes in Instant Pot so you can enjoy this tasty veggie without all the hassle.
Preparation Before Steaming
Gather Your Ingredients
To get started, gather the ingredients you need to cook your artichokes in the Instant Pot. You will need two large artichokes, one cup of water or vegetable stock, and one tablespoon of olive oil.
Other optional ingredients include herbs such as parsley or dill, garlic cloves, or lemon slices. Once you have all your ingredients together, you are ready to start cooking!
Prepare Your Artichokes
Before putting your artichokes into the Instant Pot, it is important to prepare them properly.
Start by cutting off tough outer leaves from each artichoke and then trimming about an inch off of the top of each one.
Peel off any remaining tough outer leaves and cut off the stem, so the bottom sits flat on a cutting board.
Finally, use a spoon to scoop out the choke in the center of each artichoke (the fuzzy part).
Once everything has been prepped and trimmed up properly, you can put them into your Instant Pot.
Related: How To Steam Artichokes In A Microwave.
Cooking Time! How To Steam Artichokes In Instant Pot
First things first—you need an Instant Pot! These are available online or at most big box stores or Amazon.
Once you have your Instant Pot, fill the bottom with 1 cup. Then add the lemon halves, wine/broth, and olive oil.
Place a steamer basket/rack into the pot and put the artichokes inside. Securely close the lid and set it to “Steam” for 20 minutes at high pressure.
When it’s done cooking, release any remaining pressure using natural or quick-release methods (whichever you prefer).
And that’s all there is to it! Your artichokes will be ready to serve immediately with melted butter and fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
While steaming your artichokes in an Instant Pot is relatively straightforward, here are a few tips that can help ensure success:
First, pick smaller artichokes, as they tend to be more tender and flavorful than larger ones.
Additionally, before cooking them, ensure that you trim off any tough leaves from around the base of each one—this helps prevent them from becoming tough during cooking.
Finally, when cutting up the lemon halves, try squeezing some juice over the top of each one before placing them into the pot—this adds great flavor while they steam!
Read: How To Steam Artichokes In The Oven.
FAQs About Steaming Artichokes
Here are some frequently asked questions about steaming artichokes.
How Long Does It Take For An Artichoke To Steam With An Instant Pot?
It depends on the size and type of artichoke. Generally, you can less than 20 minutes for a medium-sized artichoke.
Can I Steam Frozen Artichokes In The Instant Pot?
Yes! Just make sure to follow package instructions for defrosting and cooking time.
Can I Reuse The Water In The Bowl?
Reusing the water in a steam bowl is possible, but you must be mindful of how long the water has been sitting and how clean your bowl is.
If many residues have built up in the bowl, replace the water rather than try to reuse it.
What To Serve With Steamed Artichokes?
Steamed artichokes are a low-fat, versatile side dish that can be served as-is with just some lemon and garlic or dressed up with a delicious sauce.
You can serve it with cream cheese, goat cheese, sundried tomatoes, shallots, olive oil, salt, pepper, and more.
Are Steamed Artichokes Healthy?
Steam helps to preserve most of their dietary fiber content, but it is important not to overcook them, so they stay firm and retain more of the vitamins and minerals they contain.
Regarding healthy eating habits, steamed artichokes offer a fantastic low-calorie choice packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
They are also rich in antioxidants which help boost the immune system and can even lower cholesterol levels when consumed regularly.
Related: Does steaming food destroy nutrients?
Conclusion
Cooking artichokes in an Instant Pot is fast and easy – perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time!
Be sure to gather all necessary ingredients before starting the cooking process. And also, remember that larger artichokes may require more cooking time than smaller ones.
Always check the internal temperature before serving; once done, steam.
With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy delicious steamed artichokes in no time flat – Bon appetite!