Let me tell you about the moment I fell head over heels for roasted artichokes—a beautiful blend of simplicity and sophistication that’s perfect for any cozy night in or an impressive dinner party centerpiece. 🍋💚
I adore making dishes that showcase fresh vegetables, and roasted artichokes are a prime example. When they are tossed with olive oil, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a touch of lemon, these artichokes transform into a delectable treat.
I especially enjoy making them with minced garlic, and sometimes a sprinkle of Paresan in addition to their ingredients enhances the flavor of the artichokes. Either way, the artichokes might be considered a “super” vegetable for the fiber and antioxidants in two of their main ingredients: artichoke hearts and garlic.
Roasted Artichokes Recipe Ingredients
- Artichokes: Rich in fiber and antioxidants; promote digestion and liver health.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats; anti-inflammatory and enhances flavor.
- Lemons: High in vitamin C; adds a tangy, fresh flavor.
- Garlic: Allicin-packed; boosts immunity and adds depth to dishes.
- Parmesan Cheese: Provides protein and umami; optional creamy, savory element.
Roasted Artichokes Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 4 large artichokes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 lemons, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
How to Make this Roasted Artichokes Recipe
1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat and ready a baking dish of ample size.
2. Cut the artichokes down to size by making a clean slanting cut about 1 inch above the top-most choke leaf. This will take off 1 to 1/3 of the artichoke, and you will see the buds more clearly. Follow up with shortening the stem and leaving about 1 inch. If your artichokes are larger than 4 inches in diameter, then the size reduction is necessary, or else the artichoke will not fit in the pot. Also, if your artichoke is thugs, it is tough, so remove that first.
3. Cut each artichoke in half lengthwise and scoop out the fuzzy choke with a spoon.
4. Lemon juice is an excellent way to keep artichokes from browning. You can cut each artichoke in half as you go along, rubbing the exposed surfaces with lemon. You can also squeeze the juice directly onto the surfaces.
5. Combine the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a bowl.
6. Drizzle or brush the mixture of olive oil and Greek Vito olive oil over the cut sides of the artichokes, and place them cut side down in the baking dish.
7. Extract the juice from the halved lemons and add it to the artichokes in the dish.
8. Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil and roast it in the oven for 35-45 minutes, until the artichokes are tender and can be easily pierced with a knife.
9. Remove the foil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired, then roast uncovered for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
10. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy the artichokes while they are warm. Done!
Roasted Artichokes Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Baking dish
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Spoon
6. Small bowl
7. Lemon juicer (optional)
8. Aluminum foil
9. Basting brush or spoon
10. Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
11. Measuring spoons
FAQ
- Q: Can I use canned artichokes for this recipe?A: To get the most flavor and the best texture, use fresh artichokes; however, if you must, you can use canned artichokes.
- Q: How should I prepare the artichokes before roasting?A: Cut off the top inch of the artichoke, and remove any tough outer leaves. Cut the artichoke in half and scoop out the choke with a spoon.
- Q: Can I omit the Parmesan cheese?A: Yes, the Parmesan cheese is optional. The recipe will still be delicious without it!
- Q: How do I prevent the artichokes from browning?A: Lemon halves should be rubbed on the cut sides of the artichokes to stop them from browning.
- Q: What can I use as a substitute for fresh parsley?A: Dried parsley can be used, but herbs like basil or cilantro can be used in its place for a different flavor profile.
- Q: Can this recipe be made ahead of time?Serving artichokes fresh is preferable, but it’s acceptable to roast them 1-2 days ahead and then reheat them before serving.
- Q: How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?A: Suit your preference for spiciness by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes.
Roasted Artichokes Recipe Substitutions and Variations
The zest and juice of 2 large lemons can take the place of the halved lemons.
4 cloves of minced garlic can be replaced with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese can be subbed in for Parmesan cheese
Dried parsley can be substituted for fresh parsley in equal amounts up to 1 tablespoon; beyond that, it is best not to use any in order to avoid a dried, stale flavor. Parsley is mostly used for its fresh flavor in places like Mediterranean cuisine, but don’t sleep on its dried form. In addition to being a good source of vitamin K, dried parsley is a powerful antioxidant that can help you fight inflammation.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper can be substituted for 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, which yields a different type of heat.
Pro Tips
1. Prep the Artichokes with Ease To make the trimming process smoother, use kitchen scissors to snip off the sharp tips of the outer leaves before cutting the artichokes in half. This will make handling them much easier and minimize the risk of pricking your fingers.
2. Lemon Water Soak As you prepare the artichokes, consider placing the trimmed halves in a bowl of cold water with a few lemon slices. This will help maintain their color and freshness, especially if you’re preparing a large batch.
3. Boost Flavor with Herbs Along with parsley, consider adding a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the roasting pan for an aromatic boost. These herbs will add a subtle yet fragrant flavor to the artichokes.
4. Ensure Even Roasting Rotate the baking dish halfway through the roasting time to ensure even cooking. This is especially helpful if your oven has hot spots, as it prevents uneven browning.
5. Customizable Finish For a unique twist, add a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs during the final 5 minutes of roasting. The breadcrumbs will add a delightful crunch and an additional layer of flavor to the finished dish.
Roasted Artichokes Recipe
My favorite Roasted Artichokes Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Baking dish
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Spoon
6. Small bowl
7. Lemon juicer (optional)
8. Aluminum foil
9. Basting brush or spoon
10. Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
11. Measuring spoons
Ingredients:
- 4 large artichokes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 lemons, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat and ready a baking dish of ample size.
2. Cut the artichokes down to size by making a clean slanting cut about 1 inch above the top-most choke leaf. This will take off 1 to 1/3 of the artichoke, and you will see the buds more clearly. Follow up with shortening the stem and leaving about 1 inch. If your artichokes are larger than 4 inches in diameter, then the size reduction is necessary, or else the artichoke will not fit in the pot. Also, if your artichoke is thugs, it is tough, so remove that first.
3. Cut each artichoke in half lengthwise and scoop out the fuzzy choke with a spoon.
4. Lemon juice is an excellent way to keep artichokes from browning. You can cut each artichoke in half as you go along, rubbing the exposed surfaces with lemon. You can also squeeze the juice directly onto the surfaces.
5. Combine the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a bowl.
6. Drizzle or brush the mixture of olive oil and Greek Vito olive oil over the cut sides of the artichokes, and place them cut side down in the baking dish.
7. Extract the juice from the halved lemons and add it to the artichokes in the dish.
8. Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil and roast it in the oven for 35-45 minutes, until the artichokes are tender and can be easily pierced with a knife.
9. Remove the foil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired, then roast uncovered for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
10. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy the artichokes while they are warm. Done!