Artichokes may seem a little fiddly, but they are so worth the effort, especially when they taste as good as these grilled artichokes. A great appetizer or side.
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One of the things I love at this time of year is seeing all the more seasonal vegetables appearing. As you might have seen, we get pretty into asparagus (whether it's in a tomato asparagus quiche or simple roasted asparagus with parmesan).
I also love artichokes, although we have them much less often. Part of that is they're a little fiddly, but for now and then, these grilled artichokes are definitely worth the effort.
When I first moved to Spain many years ago, I remember seeing these great big bushy plants as I got the train into Barcelona and then on to where I was living. I kept seeing them, but since I was nearly always passing in a train or car, it was a while until I could figure out that they were artichoke plants.
Artichokes are a popular crop there, and it's also where I learned the simple Spanish way of preparing them by boiling and serving with aioli. Since then, I am always up for having them now and then.
How to make grilled artichokes
Artichokes can seems bit fiddly, but as long as you go in with the mindset that they take a little more effort to prepare and eat than say a root vegetable, you'll be fine. It's not difficult at all. While these artichokes are grilled, you still need to pre-cook them as they won't cook through enough on the grill alone - the grilling is more to give them a great flavor finish.
- First prepare the artichokes by cutting in half, trimming and removing the fuzzy center before boiling or steaming until tender.
- Drain them well then toss with the basil, garlic and oil mixture.
- Either grill there and then or leave to allow the flavors to infuse a bit more.
- Then peel off the leaves and enjoy.
I know these grilled artichokes might be a little fiddly, but it's a minor sacrifice you need to make now and then. Because these are really tasty, and I hope you'll find out for yourself soon.
Try these artichokes with these grilled mains:
- Sosaties (South African marinated kebabs)
- Chicken gyros with tzatziki
- Spinach feta salmon burger
- Plus get many more grilling ideas and more in the spring recipes and summer recipes archives.
Grilled artichokes
Ingredients
- 2 artichokes or 3, if smaller
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic (or 1 large)
Instructions
- Prepare the artichokes by cutting them in half from top to bottom, through the core. Using a small spoon, remove the fuzzy center. Peel the outside skin from the stems and if you like, trim the ends off the outside leaves (but you can leave if you like, you just can't eat anything from that part).
- Boil or steam the artichokes until tender, around 20 minutes. Drain then toss with the olive oil, lemon juice, basil and garlic.
- You can either grill them straight away or leave them to take on the flavors a bit more. When ready to grill, warm the grill then cook a couple minutes either side until lightly charred.
- Enjoy as they are or also good with a little aioli or other mild dip/sauce to dip in.To eat them, you peel off the leaves and pull away the flesh from the bottom with your teeth. As you get closer to the middle, you'll get more tender flesh then you can eat the heart.
Nutrition
See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store.
Try these other grilling ideas:
- Asian Inspired Pork Kebabs from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Marinated Lamb Chops from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
- Tandoori Chicken Tikka with Masala Grilled Corn from Palatable Pastime
Remember to pin for later!
David
I grill artichokes frequently but I’ve only steamed them whole and then cut them in half. I use a melon baller to remove the choke. I’m going to try this today. Is there a limit to how long ahead you can steam and marinade the artichokes before putting them on the grill?
Caroline's Cooking
I think the marinade time is relatively flexible with these, but I would say up to the night before is probably a good estimate just so things don't wilt too much etc (and if you do say longer than an hour or so, I'd put in the fridge so things stay fresher and don't dry out). Hope you enjoy!
Sam
Artichokes are always worth the effort in my opinion! I made your recipe last night and served with a steak - it was a fabulous meal. I'll be making my artichokes this way from now on! Thanks for sharing!
Caroline's Cooking
Thank you, glad you enjoyed!
Ellen
I think my husband will enjoy artichokes prepared this way.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, I hope so too!
Christie
These look SO good! I haven't had artichokes in a year. I think I need to put these on the menu.
Caroline's Cooking
I think so too 🙂
Cynthia
I know my daughter would really love this recipe. I have not cooked artichokes very often. This recipe sounds so good, I think I will have to try it.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Cynthia, hope you enjoy!
Quinn Caudill
They are a lot of work but well worth it. I need to try them grilled.
Caroline's Cooking
Do give them a try, it definitely adds a lovely extra flavor.
Sue Lau
I agree with you about the prep on artichokes--lots of work for a few little bites. Still, it's not that much work. Harder to find really fresh artichokes here in Ohio though. But grilled artichokes taste fab so even if I had to go with frozen ones I'd season them up the way you did and toss them in a grill basket.
Caroline's Cooking
I don't see them here for all that long, but I do try to get them now and then when I do! And agree, not that much work, really.
Kelsie | the itsy-itsy kitchen
Artichokes are literally my favorite food on earth. I've had them grilled at restaurants but I've never done it myself. It's clearly high time for me to start! Thank you for the inspiration 🙂
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Kelsie, hope you enjoy them!
Jolene Martinelli
I have a "Never Say No" Policy when it comes to vegetables my son wants to try, and this is one he's asked for. Never thought about grilling them, he will love this!
Caroline's Cooking
That sounds a great approach, hope he likes artichokes!
Jan
I've never really eaten artichokes, but my husband loves them, and I know he'd love them grilled! I'llhave to surprises him!
Caroline's Cooking
Hope he enjoys them!
Camilla @ Culinary Adventures
One year my husband's painting was on the Artichoke Festival's poster. We ate so many artichokes that year. It took me awhile to get back into them. But they have always been a family favorite.
Caroline's Cooking
How fantastic! But I can understand overkill (think that's true of anything).
Wendy Klik
I love artichokes and I, too, find they are worth the effort.
Caroline's Cooking
Definitely worth it in my books!