Grilled Artichokes

Dive into the world of smoky flavors with Grilled Artichokes, a dish that promises to bring a sophisticated flair to your outdoor gatherings. These artichokes, with their tender hearts and crisp, charred leaves, offer a delightful texture and depth of flavor that's unmatched. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce, they're not just food; they're an experience. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or new to the art, this recipe will guide you through creating a truly memorable side dish that might just steal the show.

Time Investment:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 large artichokes
• 1 lemon, halved
• For the dipping sauce:
• • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 teaspoons capers, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • For the grill:
  • Olive oil for brushing
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  Prelude to Grilling:

  1. Preparing the Artichokes: Cut the top 1/3 off each artichoke and trim the stems. Use kitchen scissors to snip off the thorny tips from the remaining leaves. Rub the cut parts with a lemon half to prevent browning. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the artichokes, and boil for about 15 minutes, or until the outer leaves can be pulled off easily. Drain and cool.
  2. Making the Dipping Sauce: While the artichokes are cooling, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, and capers in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to serve.

  The Main Event - Grilling:

  1. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and well-oiled.
  2. Grilling the Artichokes: Cut the cooled artichokes in half lengthwise and scoop out the choke with a spoon. Brush the artichokes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them on the grill, cut side down, and grill for about 5-7 minutes, or until you get nice grill marks. Flip and grill for another 5-7 minutes on the leaf side.

  The Grand Finale:

  • Serve with Flair: Arrange the grilled artichokes on a serving dish, accompanied by the tangy dipping sauce. This dish is perfect as a starter or side, offering a unique blend of smokiness and freshness that's bound to impress.
  • Pairing Suggestions: These grilled artichokes are wonderfully versatile, complementing everything from grilled meats and fish to a variety of salads. They're the ideal choice for adding a gourmet touch to your barbecue.

  Side Notes:

  Artichokes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. This recipe is a fantastic way to introduce a sophisticated yet utterly approachable vegetarian option to your grilling repertoire. Feel free to get creative with the dipping sauce – experimenting with ingredients like Greek yogurt or adding a pinch of smoked paprika can add an exciting twist to this classic dish. Happy grilling!