If you’re searching for a simple and delicious way to enjoy artichokes, this Instant Pot recipe is a game-changer! In just 25 minutes, you can have tender, flavorful artichokes that are perfect as a side dish or a healthy snack.
With only 5 minutes of prep time, it’s so easy to whip up. Plus, each serving is packed with nutrients, offering 81 calories, 5 grams of protein, and a good dose of fiber. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make artichokes this way sooner!
Getting Started with Yummy Artichokes!
Hey there, friend! Let’s make some amazing artichokes in your Instant Pot. Don’t worry, it’s way easier than it sounds. I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen pro in no time! This recipe is so simple, even if you’re just starting out, you’ll nail it. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need: Our Artichoke All-Stars
- 3 Medium Artichokes: Pick artichokes that feel heavy for their size with tightly closed leaves. That means they’re nice and fresh!
- 1 Lemon, Cut into Wedges: This will keep our artichokes from turning brown and add a little zing!
- 1 ½ Cups Water: Just plain ol’ water for the Instant Pot.
- 2 Cloves Garlic, Smashed: Give those garlic cloves a good whack! We want that flavor to spread.
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt: A little sprinkle of salt makes everything better.
- 1-2 Sprigs Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano): Fresh herbs make a HUGE difference. Use your favorite, or a mix! I personally love rosemary with artichokes.
Let’s Make Some Magic: The Easy Steps
- Prep the Artichokes: First, peel off the tough outer leaves of the artichokes. You just want the tender hearts inside. Then, using a sharp knife (be careful!), cut off almost all of the stem, leaving about ¼ inch. Finally, chop off the top inch or so of the artichoke. You’ll see the yummy inside peeking out!
- Lemon Love: Rinse the artichokes really well and dry them off. Now, squeeze some lemon juice on all the cut parts. This is important – it stops them from turning brown!
- Instant Pot Setup: Toss the lemon wedges, water, smashed garlic, salt, and those lovely herbs into your Instant Pot. Then, put the little rack (it’s called a trivet!) inside.
- Artichoke Time: Put the artichokes on the trivet, cut-side down. Close the lid tight and make sure that vent is sealed! Set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 20 minutes. **Important Tip:** If your artichokes are small, cook for 10 minutes. If they’re big, go for 25.
- Quick Release!: Once the time is up, carefully do a quick release of the steam. Then, open the lid and check if they’re done. Poke the bottom with a knife – if it goes in easy, you’re good to go!
- Dip and Devour!: Serve those beautiful artichokes with melted butter, mayonnaise, ranch, or a fancy aioli. Get creative with your dips! This is the best part. Enjoy!
Getting Started with Artichokes
Alright, friend, let’s talk artichokes! They might look a little intimidating at first, but trust me, they’re easier to handle than you think. We’re going to use the Instant Pot, which makes cooking them a breeze.
Prepping the Artichokes
First things first, let’s get these artichokes ready for their Instant Pot spa day! You’ll want to peel off the tough outer leaves – just the little ones on the bottom. Now, grab a good, sharp knife (safety first!) and trim about ¼ inch off the stem. Next, chop off the top inch or so of the artichoke. Think of it as giving it a little haircut! Don’t forget to give them a good rinse and pat them dry. **Important step:** Rub those cut edges with a lemon wedge. This keeps them from turning brown – a little kitchen magic!
Instant Pot Magic
Now for the fun part! Toss those lemon wedges, water, garlic, salt, and some herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano work great) into your Instant Pot. Pop in the trivet – that’s the little metal rack that came with your pot. Place the artichokes cut-side down on the trivet. Seal that lid tight and set it to cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes. Now, here’s the thing: cooking time can change a bit depending on the size of your artichokes. Smaller ones might only need 10 minutes, while larger ones could take up to 25. **Keep an eye on them!**
Checking for Doneness – The Knife Test!
Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the steam. Carefully open the lid (steam is hot!) and grab a paring knife. Gently poke the bottom of an artichoke. If the knife slides in easily, you’re good to go!
Serving Up Deliciousness
Alright, the moment of truth! Artichokes are amazing with melted butter – classic and delicious. But don’t stop there! Mayonnaise, ranch dressing, or a yummy aioli all make fantastic dipping sauces. I personally love a garlic aioli – it’s so flavorful! Oh, and don’t forget to teach your friends how to eat them! It’s a fun, hands-on experience. Pull off a leaf, dip it in your sauce, and scrape the soft flesh off with your teeth. The heart of the artichoke is the prize at the end – it’s the most tender part.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be good for a few days. You can reheat them gently in the microwave or oven. Enjoy!
Instant Pot Artichokes
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 medium artichokes
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1-2 sprigs fresh herbs rosemary, thyme, oregano
Instructions
- Remove the small outer leaves of the artichoke. Using a very sharp knife, cut off all but ¼-inch of the stem.Cut the top third (~1 inch) off of the artichoke to expose the inside.Rinse the artichokes well and pat them dry, then squeeze a lemon wedge on the cut surface of each of them to prevent them from browning.
- Add the lemon wedges, water, garlic, salt, and herbs to the inner pot of the Instant Pot, then place the trivet/rack into the pot.
- Place the artichokes on the trivet, cut side down. Close and seal the lid and cook on Manual High for approximately 20 minutes. If the artichokes are on the small side, reduce the time to 10 minutes. If they are on the large side, increase the time to 25 minutes.
- Perform a Quick Release of the steam, remove the lid, and test the artichokes for doneness by sliding a paring knife into the bottom. If it slides in easily, they’re ready to enjoy!
- Serve with melted butter, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, or your favorite aioli.