Artichokes are one of those vegetables that can be intimidating to cook but don’t let that stop you from trying.
Steaming artichokes on the stovetop are quite simple and much easier than you would think.
Plus, when done correctly, you’ll be left with delicious artichoke hearts that are tender and flavorful.
Let’s learn how to steam artichokes on the stovetop!
Gather Your Ingredients And Equipment
First things first, gather your ingredients and equipment.
To steam artichokes on the stovetop, you will need fresh artichokes, a large pot with a lid that fits snugly over the pot, a steamer basket or colander (optional), water, salt (preferably sea salt or kosher salt), lemon slices (optional), garlic cloves (optional).
Once you have all of your ingredients and equipment ready, the next step is to prepare the artichokes.
Prepare The Artichokes
Next up is prepping your artichokes. Look for firm but not too hard artichokes. You should also check that the leaves aren’t too dried out and that there are no signs of mold.
Give them a good rinse under cold water, then cut off about 1-2 inches of the stem end of each artichoke, so they sit flat in the pot.
Then cut off the top quarter of each artichoke and snap off any tough leaves near the base.
Finally, if desired, rub the cut ends with lemon juice or white vinegar. This will prevent them from browning as they cook.
How To Steam Artichokes On Stovetop
Once your artichokes are prepped and ready, add 2-3 inches of water to the pot, some salt (about one teaspoon per quart), and optional ingredients like garlic cloves or lemon slices if desired.
Place your steamer basket into the pot (if using), then place your prepared artichokes into it stem side down, so they fit snugly into the basket without falling over.
Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat, so it simmers gently for 25-35 minutes until each chard is tender when pierced through with a sharp knife or skewer test.
Keep an eye on the water levels during cooking – making sure it doesn’t evaporate before your chards are cooked through – adding more boiling water if necessary during cooking time if needed.
Test them by poking them with a fork; they should be tender when cooked through.
Remove from heat and transfer cooked artichoke (or artichokes) onto a plate once cool enough to handle.
Serve hot with melted butter, mayonnaise, or your favorite dipping sauce!
FAQs About Steaming Artichokes
Here are some frequently asked questions about steaming artichokes.
How Long Do You Steam Artichokes On The Stove?
The amount of time it takes to steam artichokes on the stovetop depends on the size of your chards.
Generally speaking, you should plan for 25-35 minutes of cooking time until they are tender when pierced through with a sharp knife or skewer test.
Can I Use A Steamer Basket?
Yes! You can use a steamer basket to make steaming artichokes on the stovetop easier. Just place your prepared artichokes into their stem side, so they fit snugly into the basket without falling over.
Do I Need To Add Any Other Ingredients?
No, you don’t have to, but you can add some salt (about one teaspoon per quart) and optional ingredients like garlic cloves or lemon slices for extra flavor.
Do I Need To Keep An Eye On The Water Levels?
Yes, it’s important to keep an eye on the water levels during cooking – making sure it doesn’t evaporate before your chards are cooked through. If necessary, add more boiling water during cooking time if needed.
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.
Conclusion
Steaming artichokes is quick, easy, and delicious! All you need is fresh artichokes, water, and a pot—no special equipment is required!
Whether trying to impress someone special or just looking for something new for dinner tonight, steamed artichoke is an excellent way to add some nutrition—and flavor—to your table.
So why wait?
Get cooking!