Microwave Artichokes Recipes

MICROWAVING ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Prepare Artichokes: Rinse artichokes. Snap off and discard any errant outer leaves on stems. Snip off any large thorns on leaves using kitchen shears. Saw off and discard top-third of leaves (inedible leaves furthest from stem) using serrated knife. Cut off and discard lower part of stem, leaving at least 1 inch attached to artichoke (Note 2).
• Cook Artichokes: Place both artichokes in microwave-safe dish with water. Cover with lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high until very tender, about 8 minutes for small artichokes or 9 minutes for medium to large artichokes (Note 3). Artichokes are done when outer leaves can be easily pulled off and toothpick can be inserted into stem with little resistance. If not done, microwave for another minute and test for doneness again. Set artichokes aside until cool enough to handle.
• Make Dipping Sauce: Whisk or vigorously stir all dipping sauce ingredients in medium mixing bowl until very smooth, with no mayonnaise clumps remaining. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Serve: Slice cooled artichokes in half, through stem, handling carefully to avoid breaking off tender leaves. Scoop out and discard fuzzy needle-like white centers and purple leaves from each artichoke half using spoon. Arrange artichokes on serving plates. Optionally, lightly brush cut surfaces with olive oil and season with pepper, salt, and thyme. Serve with prepared dipping sauce and empty plate for discarded leaves (Note 4).

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.

COOKED ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Trim the artichoke with a serrated knife: cut the stem flush with the bottom of the artichoke; cut 1 inch off the top of the artichoke, and trim off the prickly leaf tips. As you work rub cut surfaces with the lemon half to keep them from discoloring.
• Place each artichoke in a microwave cooking bag, closing the bag tightly, or on a six-inch sheet of PV plastic wrap, folding the plastic to enclose the artichoke and sealing it tightly. Arrange the artichokes in a ring on the microwave carousel or on a large plate. Cook at 100 percent power (high setting). In a full-size oven (600 watts or more), one artichoke will take 9 minutes, two 11 minutes, and four 15 minutes. In a small oven (under 500 watts), one artichoke will take 12 minutes and two 20 minutes. Four won't fit in a small oven.
• To check for doneness, press the bottom of an artichoke with a fingernail; it should give. Remove from the oven. Let stand 5 minutes. Prick the plastic with a knife to release the steam. Unwrap carefully.

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.

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.