Microwave Artichoke

How to Make Microwave Artichoke

Making artichoke in the microwave is very easy and fast. This is recommended type of food for those who are on a diet. Many people don't really know how to prepare and artichoke. It's not as hard as some might think. Here are all the things you have to know in order to make a tasty meal.

How to buy fresh Artichoke

First of all, when you pick out an artichoke, look for the fresh ones: these will have a nice bright green color. Avoid those which look dried and they have a yellow leaves. Also check if they are firm enough and not too soft. The best size in an artichoke is the middle size, because the bigger ones are not as tender, and middle sized ones are easier to prepare in the microwave oven.

You should begin by washing the artichoke in cold water. Make sure you wash it carefully, also between the leaves, because sometimes dirt might be trapped there. Get rid of the outside leaves, just throw them way because they are not good to eat.

You have to cut off the stem, then the tip, and also remember to cut off the sharp tips of the outside leaves.

Make Microwave Artichoke

Place the vegetable in a dish which can be used in a microwave oven (glass or plastic, but not metal) and cover it.

The container should be big enough for the artichoke, because you have to cover it before placing it in the mike. If you don't have a lid to cover the dish, just use plastic wrap or a plate, that will do too. It's important that the container is covered, because this way the artichoke will be ready much faster, and it will be softer inside.

Add a little bit of water. It will take between 7 and 10 minutes to be ready, depending on the size of the artichoke. Take care when you take out the artichoke from the container, it might be very steamy and you can hurt yourself if you are not careful.

To make sure that the artichoke is done, pierce the middle with a knife. If the center is soft, the artichoke is ready. If you are not entirely satisfied with the softness, you can put it back in the microwave for a couple more minutes.

Sometimes artichokes get darker after cooking. To maintain the nice green color of the vegetable, put a little vinegar or lemon juice in the water.

Not all parts of the artichoke are edible. The soft inside parts of the leaves taste very good. You should remove the center part, which looks all fuzzy, use a spoon to scoop it out. The tastiest part of the artichoke is its heart: it's very sweet and soft.

Many people who are on a diet eat artichokes without anything else, but you can make a very good meal if you dip the leaves and small bits of the artichoke in mayonnaise, butter or your favorite sauce.

You can also eat it with meat or anything that comes to you mind. Artichoke is a type of food that fits with everything. If you like to cook and experiment, you can try stuffing the artichoke with some kind of salad or meat. Tuna goes very well with the artichoke.

Picture of Microwave Artichoke

microwave artichoke