Half Crazy Mama’s Simple Delicious Grilled Artichokes

I LOVE artichokes.  I grew up eating them steamed until they were super soft and than dipped them in melted butter.  Soooo yummy…but not very healthy.  In my recent years I have worked on a recipe that is delicious yet doesn’t involve a whole stick of butter and here it is.

Trim the bottom of the artichokes and cut the tips off of them so there are no prickly thorns.

Cut artichokes in half and place in a bowl of water and lemon juice until your boiling water is ready.  The lemon juice will keep them from browning.  Boil water and either steam or boil the artichokes for 15 minutes. (Depending on the size of the artichokes this time can vary.  You don’t want them to hard or to soft)

Mix olive oil (about 2 tablespoons) with fresh garlic and pepper.  I also add a little red chili flakes, but you don’t have to.  Remove artichokes from water and brush the mix all over the artichokes and be sure to get some down in the leaves.

Place on either a real grill or I often use my grill pan on my stove.  I squeeze about half a lemon worth of juice all over the artichokes while they are on the grill.  Again depending on the flame and how you grill them it could take anywhere from 10-20 minutes.  You don’t want them like charcoal, but you want them a little flame kissed.

Voila! Delicious, healthy and simple artichokes.

What is your fav way to eat artichokes?  My dad always ate them dipped in mayonnaise.  One of my BFFs loves them dipped in basil pesto.  As a kid I loved them dipped in melted butter.  My husband loves them marinated and with antipasto platter.