Don’t boil or steam the delicate flavor of artichokes away! Oven Roasted Artichokes with Roasted Garlic Butter is an easy way to cook artichokes to preserve their wonderful flavor.
Trimming and prepping artichokes used to mystify me–I was so afraid of them! Until a few years ago, the only way I prepared them was to cut the bottom off so they sat level in a microwave-safe dish and then microwaved them in water for approximately 15 minutes. It was faster than steaming or boiling. I know…..pretty unimaginative for someone who cooks for a living!
Then, a client of mine requested I prepare them for her. Gulp.
Sure…. I could have just boiled or steamed them. However, that wasn’t very “cheffy” and the presentation would have been lackluster at best. I didn’t know how they’d reheat prepared that way or if they’d even have any of their delicate flavor left. My client would also have had to deal with the inedible “choke” in the center.
To make her artichoke “experience” as easy as possible, I made these beautifully trimmed and amazingly aromatic Roasted Artichokes with Roasted Garlic Butter that are roasted with lemon slices, garlic and herb sprigs.
What I love about roasting or baking artichokes is the delicate flavor concentrates and stays IN the artichoke–it’s not boiled or steamed away. The other wonderful thing about preparing artichokes this way is that your guests don’t have to deal with the fuzzy choke either.
When working with artichokes, you’ll need to have some acidulated water ready to prevent browning. For each quart of water, use about three tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 large, super juicy lemon) or 1/2 cup dry white wine. After each trimming step, place the cut side into the acidulated water. Another option is to simply rub the cut side with lemon.
My experience has been that artichokes turn slightly brown no matter what–much like an avocado. However, because the artichokes get nicely browned from the roasting process, you won’t notice the discoloration much.
For more information on prepping artichokes, here’s an instructional video from Ocean Mist.
When the artichokes are tender, take the garlic out and make a roasted garlic butter to serve with the artichokes. Perfection!
Here’s another amazing way to serve artichokes for guests: Goat Cheese Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms
Thank you, hope you enjoy and please share this From A Chef’s Kitchen reader favorite!
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Oven Roasted Artichokes with Roasted Garlic Butter
Don’t boil or steam the delicate flavor of artichokes away! Oven Roasted Artichokes with Roasted Garlic Butter is an easy way to cook artichokes to preserve their wonderful flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 large globe artichokes
- 3 large lemons, 2 juiced, 1 sliced to yield 4 slices
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 12 whole cloves garlic
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 stick salted butter, very soft
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Fill a bowl large enough to accommodate the artichokes when halved with water (about 2 quarts). Add the lemon juice. (I also toss in the lemon pieces.)
As you complete each of the following steps, immediately immerse the artichoke in the lemon (acidulated) water.
--Trim any dry stem end from the bottom of the artichoke.
--Remove tough outer leaves from the bottom of the artichoke.
--Trim approximately 1 inch from the top of each artichoke.
--Trim the tips of each leaf. (Be careful! They can have sharp barbs.)
--Cut the artichoke in half from top to bottom.
--Scoop the fuzzy choke from the center of each artichoke.
Drizzle a large baking dish or roasting pan with olive oil. Season artichokes with salt and black pepper. Place 3 cloves of garlic in each artichoke, top each with a sprig of thyme and rosemary, then place a lemon slice on each. Carefully flip the artichoke half over so that the cut side is facing down. (Make sure the garlic is securely inside so that it doesn't burn.) Drizzle with olive oil.
Cover with foil. Roast for 45 to 50 minutes or until tender. (Test doneness by gently pulling on one of the leaves or test with a small, sharp knife.)
Place the softened butter in a small saucepan. Remove the garlic cloves from the pan and add to the butter. Mash it into the butter, then gently melt the butter.
Serve the artichokes with the butter.
Recipe Notes
TO MAKE AHEAD: Roast until the artichokes are almost tender (about 40 minutes). Cool and refrigerate. Mash the garlic into the softened butter and refrigerate. Heat covered in a 375 degree oven until tender. Melt butter and serve.
Kelly Linss says
I just made this tonight and oh my god! I think this is my new go-to recipe from now on. Beautiful and delicious! And I love how they look like birds’ nests with garlic “eggs” – so perfect for spring!
Carol says
Hi, Kelly! I love it! Thanks so much and so happy you enjoyed. Roasting artichokes does make a huge difference!
Jennifer says
I am an artichoke fiend. This is far and away the best i have ever had.
Carol says
Thank you so much, Jennifer! I’m an artichoke fiend too and yeah… this beats steaming or any other method.
Jenny Dean says
Delicious
Carol says
Hi, Jenny! Thanks so much and so glad you enjoyed! Please stay in touch!
Molly says
This is now my go to for making artichokes. The steps were so easy to follow. The flavor was fabulous! I didn’t even make the garlic butter.
Carol says
Thanks, Molly! It’s amazing how roasting preserves that delicate artichoke flavor and even intensifies it. Thanks so much and so glad you enjoyed! Please stay in touch!
Lindsey says
Sometimes I am scared to try the recipes I find on pinterest, but this one is amazing. The dipping sauce is barely needed because the artichokes are so flavorful. Great Recipe!
Carol says
Hi, Lindsey, Thanks so much and you made my day! Glad you enjoyed and please stay in touch!
Steph @ Steph in Thyme says
I’ve always wanted to cook with artichokes, but a bit intimidated with how to even approach them! Thanks for the great tips and recipe in this post. Now, to go out and pick up some artichokes!
Matt @ Plating Pixels says
I always steam my artichokes. What a fun and tasty looking alternative..
Becca @ Crumbs and Chaos says
I love how simple and delicious roasted veggies can be! You sure took these over the top with the roasted garlic butter!
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says
So much YES!!! That infused butter sounds over-the-top delicious.
Christina @ Christina's Cucina says
I ADORE artichokes, but have never roasted them before! I love this idea and they look absolutely brilliant! Must try next time I get artichokes! Thanks!
Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says
I love artichokes, but I’ve never made them at home. I’m a little intimidated by them, but this guide is perfect! I need to try making them!
Richa says
Those artichokes look like to die for. I’ve actually never tasted one because we don’t find them in India too easily. But if I do, this is the recipe I’m going for. And that picture is perfect!
Laura @ Family Spice says
We love artichokes in our house – even the kiddos. We even grow artichokes in our garden. Now I have a new recipe to try out with our next crop of artichokes!
Carol says
Thanks, Laura! We actually tried to grow them once here in the South. They didn’t get very big, but they still tasted great! Would love a “crop” of artichokes!
Cynthia/What A Girl Eats says
I adore artichokes! Your photos are stunning!
Carol says
Thank you, Cynthia!
Sylvie | Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Mmm, that roasted garlic butter sounds perfect with the artichokes.
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
I haven’t had roasted artichokes, but I love how sweet garlic goes, this is definitely something I need to try although I’m kind of scared of artichokes too, I’ve only ever bought them in a jar!!