Artichokes, to me, are like the introverts of the vegetable world—modest, understated, yet undeniably captivating once you get to know them. The Instant Pot transforms these shy little thistles into a tender, flavorful side dish with minimal effort, letting you focus on more pressing matters, like perfecting your Spotify playlist or contemplating why the latest viral TikTok dance is a thing. So if you’re feeling adventurous or just need a break from the mundane, this recipe might just be your new go-to.
Steps
- Begin by preparing the fresh artichokes, trimming them as needed. You can fit 4-5 medium artichokes in a 6-quart Instant Pot depending on their size.
- Insert the steamer basket into the Instant Pot and pour in water, adding garlic cloves and a bay leaf for flavor. Rub a lemon wedge over the artichokes to enhance flavor and prevent browning, then place the wedge in the water.
- Arrange the artichokes in a single layer in the steamer basket. Secure the lid, set the Instant Pot to “manual” high pressure for 10 minutes (12 minutes for larger artichokes), and perform a quick release once cooking is complete.
- Use tongs to carefully remove the artichokes from the Instant Pot. Serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your artichokes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 2–4 fresh large artichokes, trimmed
- 1 fresh lemon wedge
- Dipping sauce (various options available)
FAQ
- Can I use the Instant Pot for steaming other vegetables?
- Absolutely! The Instant Pot is versatile and can be used to steam a variety of vegetables. Simply adjust the cooking time based on the type and size of the vegetables you are steaming.
- How do I know when my artichokes are fully cooked?
- To test if your artichokes are done, insert a sharp knife into the stem. If it slides in easily without resistance, they are ready. If not, you can cook them for an additional 2 minutes in the Instant Pot.
- What size artichokes work best in the Instant Pot?
- You can steam both medium and large artichokes in the Instant Pot. For medium artichokes, a cooking time of 10 minutes is recommended, while larger artichokes may require up to 12 minutes.
- What can I use as a dipping sauce for steamed artichokes?
- There are several delicious options for dipping sauces. Popular choices include lemony melted butter, blender hollandaise sauce, tzatziki for a Mediterranean twist, or simply mayonnaise or aioli.
- Can I add other seasonings to the steaming water?
- Yes, feel free to add other fresh herbs and seasonings to the steaming water to customize the flavor of your artichokes to your liking.
Tips
- Choose the best fresh artichokes by checking for tight, compact leaves and a deep green color. Ensure they feel heavy for their size, as this indicates freshness and quality.
- Rub a lemon wedge over the trimmed artichokes before cooking to enhance flavor and slow down browning. This simple step helps preserve the artichokes’ appearance and taste.
- Arrange the artichokes in a single layer in the Instant Pot to ensure even cooking. Avoid stacking them, as this might result in unevenly steamed artichokes.
- Test the doneness of the artichokes by inserting a sharp knife into the stem. If it slides in smoothly without resistance, the artichokes are perfectly cooked. If not, cook them for an additional 2 minutes.
Equipment
- Instant Pot – A 6-quart or larger pressure cooker.
- Steamer Basket – Compatible with your Instant Pot for steaming the artichokes.
- Tongs – To safely remove the hot artichokes from the Instant Pot.
