These grilled Mediterranean artichokes are the perfect appetizer or side dish for all of your summer meals. They are easy to make and topped with light fresh flavors of the Mediterranean flavors.
Artichokes are one of those vegetables that I cannot get enough of during the summer. Most of the time you will have them served steamed or roasted but grilling them gives them a fantastic flavor. The steaming will help cook them quickly then you will finish them off on the grill. They are then topped with olive oil, shallots and capers for a delightful appetizer or side dish.
In this recipe
There isn’t much in this which makes for light side dish or appetizer.
Artichoke: these are the stars of the show, and you will want to grab artichokes on the larger side.
Lemon juice: will keep the artichokes from browning and for the vinaigrette.
Fresh herbs: these are completely optional, but I love to add fresh dill and oregano to the vinaigrette and to the mayonnaise when I use it.
Whole mustard: the whole seeds add a wonderful mustard flavor when you bite into them. If you don’t have whole mustard, then stone ground or Dijon will work.
Choosing good artichokes
One of the first things you want to look for is that they are nice and green without any yellowing tips. They should also feel heavy for their size. The petals should be tightly packed together and not opening outwards. Finally, when you squeeze it, the artichoke should make a sound that is similar to squeaky shoes.
Preparing Mediterranean artichokes
I recommend that you cut the sharp tips off of the artichoke, but you can skip this step if you want. However, for the next part I suggest that you work with one artichoke at a time. This will help keep them from oxidizing. Slice them in half and then use a spoon to scoop out the fuzzy choke that is inside. You will remove some of the tiniest petals and that is ok. Then immediately brush with lemon juice to help prevent them from browning.
Grilling them up
Once they have finished steaming all you have left to do is grill ‘em up! This is where all the magic happens. If you have charcoal grill or are fusing wood chips this is a great way to add additional flavor to the artichokes. You will only need to grill them for about 5 minutes or until you get the char marks on them. You may not see them and that is ok but if you cook them for too long you will dry out the leaves and they will start to scorch.
Looking for other Mediterranean recipes?
Grilled Mediterranean Artichokes
Equipment
- Large pot
- Steaming basket
- Grill
- Bowl
- Whisk
- Scissors
- Spoon
- Brush
Ingredients
- 3 artichokes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice divided in half
- 2 tablespoons shallots finely chopped
- ½ tablespoon whole mustard
- 1 teaspoon capers
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill optional
Instructions
- Place a steaming basket in a large pot and add enough water to come up just under the bottom of the steaming basket. Over high heat bring to a boil.
- Using scissors cut the sharp tips off of the artichokes. Then cut one artichoke in half. Use a spoon and scoop out the fuzzy choke in the middle and immediately brush with lemon juice. Repeat with the remaining artichokes.
- Place the artichoke cut side down in the steaming basket and cover. Steam for 20 minutes.
- While the artichokes are steaming combine the olive oil, remaining lemon juice, shallots, capers and whole mustard together and whisk until combined.
- Preheat the grill to 500°F or 260°C and brush or spray the grates with oil.
- Place the steamed artichokes on the grill cut side down and cook for 5 minutes.
- To serve drizzle the olive oil mixture over the cut side of the artichokes.
- Dip in mayonnaise if desired.
Nutrition
