Description
Mediterranean artichoke delights elevate this classic Grecian starter with zesty lemon-yogurt sauce. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this appetizer perfect for casual gatherings or elegant dinner parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large fresh artichokes
- ½ cup (120 ml) plain Greek yogurt
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced or grated
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Optional: fresh chopped herbs (dill, parsley, or chives)
- Water (for steaming)
Instructions
- Artichoke Preparation: Trim stems for even placement, slice off top inch, and snip sharp leaf tips using a sharp knife to create an appealing texture and easier eating experience.
- Preservation Technique: Rub cut edges with lemon juice to prevent discoloration and maintain the artichoke’s vibrant green appearance.
- Steaming Setup: Fill pot with shallow water, add lemon half and salt. Position steamer basket, placing artichokes stem-side down above the aromatic liquid, ensuring they’re not submerged.
- Cooking Process: Cover pot with tight-fitting lid and steam for 30-40 minutes. Artichokes are ready when leaves detach easily and bottom feels tender.
- Yogurt Dip Creation: Whisk yogurt with lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Optionally incorporate finely chopped herbs for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Serving Preparation: Chill yogurt dip to allow flavors to meld. Remove steamed artichokes from heat, letting them cool to a comfortable handling temperature.
- Presentation: Plate artichokes alongside chilled lemon-yogurt dip. Instruct diners to pull off individual leaves, dipping tender base into creamy sauce before enjoying each morsel.
Notes
- Prevent Browning: Immediately apply lemon juice to cut artichoke surfaces to stop oxidation and maintain their beautiful green color.
- Steam with Precision: Use a timer and check artichoke tenderness by gently pulling a leaf – it should release easily when perfectly cooked.
- Herb Enhancement: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil in the yogurt dip to add extra flavor complexity.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap dairy yogurt with coconut or almond-based yogurt for vegan guests, ensuring the dip remains creamy and delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg