How To Cook An Artichoke In The Microwave Food

HOW TO COOK AN ARTICHOKE IN THE MICROWAVE

Steps:

• Trim and wash the artichoke as usual. Place in a covered microwave safe container with a steam vent. Add water or broth and sprinkle with seasoning if desired. A light dusting of salt, pepper and garlic powder between the layers work well.
• Microwave the artichoke on high for 8-10 mins rotating every 2 minutes.

MICROWAVE ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Cut off stem and with a sharp knife trim the base so artichokes sit flat. Make a cut across the top of the leaves, parallel to the base. With scissors, trim the leaves so they have straight edges.
• To cook conventionally, bring a large shallow pan of salted water to a boil. Submerge artichokes, cover tops with a heat proof heavy plate to keep them submerged and cook for 35 to 45 minutes or until a leaf in middle can be pulled out easily. Drain them upside down so water runs out.
• To cook in microwave, wrap each one individually in microwavable plastic wrap and set them in a round plate. Microwave for 10 minutes or until a center leaf can be pulled out easily. Remove plastic wrap (carefully; it will be hot).
• Serve as is, with each person pulling out a leaf and dipping it in melted butter, or remove cone of dinner leaves in one fell swoop and reserve them for later. With a small spoon scoop out choke. Replace cone of leaves, upside down and serve with melted butter seasoned with lemon or vinaigrette.

ARTICHOKES (HOW TO COOK)

Steps:

• Trim stem of artichokes at the base.
• Remove any tough or discolored bottom leaves.
• Cut off approximately 1-inch of the top leaves, and trim remaining tips from leaves (I use scissors).
• Rub the base and all cut parts with lemon juice.
• Using fingers, open up the center of artichokes.
• With a sturdy spoon remove and discard the fuzzy choke.
• (I omit this step at this point and do it after cooking) Combine all ingredients, except artichokes, and bring to a boil.
• Add artichokes, and partially cover and return to a boil.
• Cook until the stem end is easily pierced with a fork.
• Allow about 30 minutes for medium and 40 minutes for large artichokes.
• Remove from liquid and drain upside down.
• Serve with melted butter or horseradish sauce, or they may be stuffed.
• NOTE#1: Artichokes may be cooked ahead and re-heated by putting in simmering water for 10 minutes.
• They will keep several days in the refrigerator.
• NOTE#2: Use an enamel or stainless steel pan for cooking.
• Do not use aluminum utensils.

ARTICHOKES STEAMED IN THE MICROWAVE

Steps:

• Trim the artichokes by cutting off the stem and cutting off the tips of the leaves. *I often cut them in half, lengthwise, and scoop out the choke but you can skip this step.
• Rub the lemon over all the cut parts of the artichokes so it does not brown.
• Place all 3 of the artichokes upside down in a microwaveable dish with a tight fitting lid. *Try a dinner or salad plate on top of your dish if you do not have a lid that exactly fits.
• *I place them upside down so the water is not collected in the artichokes but they can be placed right side up and then squeezed out later.
• Add the water and cover.
• Cook on high for 11 minutes. Check at about 9 minutes since all ovens are not the same, and pierce the hearts with a fork. If they are soft they are done.
• Drain and serve.

ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Fill the pan with just enough water to cover bottom. Bring to a full boil over high heat. While water is heating, trim and discard the stems and tough outer leaves of artichokes. Tuck slivers of butter and slices of garlic into artichoke leaves.
• When water is boiling, place steamer insert in pot and set artichokes in steamer, stem-side down. Cover pot with lid and allow artichokes to steam for approximately 20 minutes, until tender.