Imagine a dish that combines the delicate, tender texture of baby artichokes with a smoky char and a zesty, vibrant dressing that will make your taste buds dance. This Grilled Baby Artichokes with Chef's Dressing recipe is not just a side dish – it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece that will impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 baby artichokes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the baby artichokes. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Trim the stems to about 1 inch in length, and remove the outer leaves until you reach the tender, light green leaves. Cut off the tops of the artichokes, about 1 inch from the tip, to remove the tough parts.
- Once the artichokes are trimmed, place them in a bowl of water with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, prepare the Chef's dressing by combining the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended and emulsified. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are glowing and covered with ash. For a gas grill, allow it to preheat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the baby artichokes from the lemon water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Brush them lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Once the grill is hot, place the artichokes on the grill grates, cut side down. Grill for about 5-7 minutes, until they are nicely charred and tender. Use tongs to turn them halfway through the cooking time.
- After grilling, remove the artichokes from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the prepared Chef's dressing generously over the warm artichokes.
- Garnish with additional lemon wedges if desired, and serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your Grilled Baby Artichokes with Chef's Dressing as a delicious Italian-inspired appetizer or side dish!
Tips
- Artichoke Preparation: The key to tender artichokes is proper trimming. Remove tough outer leaves and cut off the spiky tops to reveal the delicate, edible heart.
- Prevent Browning: Always keep trimmed artichokes in lemon water to prevent oxidation and maintain their beautiful green color.
- Olive Oil is Your Friend: Lightly brush the artichokes with olive oil before grilling to help them achieve a perfect golden-brown char and prevent sticking.
- Grill Temperature Matters: Medium-high heat is crucial. Too low, and they'll steam; too high, and they'll burn. Aim for those beautiful grill marks.
- Dressing Technique: Whisk the dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a perfect emulsion that will cling beautifully to the warm artichokes.
- Serve Immediately: These artichokes are best enjoyed right off the grill while they're still warm and the dressing is freshly drizzled.Pro tip: If you don't have a grill, you can achieve similar results using a grill pan on the stovetop or roasting in a hot oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
