Artichokes can be a challenging vegetable to eat for the first time due to their unique shape, making it hard to know how to eat them and which parts to consume. However, they have been used as food in Europe for a long time, and recently they have been gaining popularity in the United States and Korea as well. Here are two recipes to enjoy artichokes deliciously.

Artichokes with Lemon Dip Sauce

This recipe is a simple way to enjoy artichokes by boiling them and serving them with a dip sauce made of lemon and mayonnaise. It enhances the natural flavor of the artichokes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 artichokes
  • 1 lemon (juice)
  • 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

  1. Cut the stems of the artichokes and remove the tough outer leaves. Trim the ends as well.
  2. Boil water in a large pot, cut the lemon in half, and add it to the water. Add a pinch of salt.
  3. Add the artichokes to the boiling water and cook for about 30-40 minutes. They are done when the leaves become tender.
  4. Remove the artichokes and peel off each leaf, scraping the soft part with your teeth.
  5. To make the lemon dip sauce, mix mayonnaise, olive oil, and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Enjoy the boiled artichokes with the dip sauce.


Artichoke Cream Sauce Pasta

Artichokes pair well with cream sauce, making it possible to create a rich and flavorful dish when added to pasta.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup artichoke hearts (central part, with the insides removed)
  • 200g pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup cream
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the artichoke hearts by removing the skin and keeping only the tender parts. (Canned artichoke hearts can also be used.)
  3. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the minced garlic. When the garlic turns golden, add the artichokes and sauté for about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the cream and mix well, then season with salt and pepper.
  5. When the cream sauce thickens, add the cooked pasta and mix together. The pasta will absorb the cream sauce well.
  6. Add the parmesan cheese and mix well.
  7. Plate the dish and garnish with parsley or extra cheese if desired.

With these two recipes, you can easily enjoy artichokes deliciously. Artichokes have a rich and tender flavor, making them a wonderful vegetable that can be applied to various dishes.