Can you cook artichokes in the microwave?
Yes, you can certainly cook artichokes in the microwave. It is a convenient and time-saving method that still yields tender and flavorful artichokes.
How long does it take to cook artichokes in the microwave?
The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the artichokes and the wattage of your microwave. However, in general, it takes about 6-10 minutes to cook one artichoke.
How do you prepare artichokes for microwaving?
Start by rinsing the artichokes under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Trim the stems, leaving about an inch attached to the base of the artichokes. Then, using a sharp knife, trim about an inch off the top of the artichokes. Next, remove any tough outer leaves and trim the sharp spines from the remaining leaves using kitchen scissors.
How do you cook artichokes in the microwave?
After preparing the artichokes, place them in a microwave-safe dish. Add a small amount of water to the dish, about one inch high. Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap, making sure to leave a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power for about 6-10 minutes, or until the outer leaves can easily be pulled off.
How do you know when artichokes are done?
To check if the artichokes are done, carefully remove the plastic wrap (watch out for hot steam) and pull off one of the outer leaves. If it comes off easily, and the flesh at the base of the leaf is tender, the artichokes are ready. If not, cover the dish and continue microwaving in one-minute intervals until they are fully cooked.
Now that you have the basics of cooking artichokes in the microwave, let’s dive into a simple recipe:
Quick and Easy Microwaved Artichokes
Ingredients:
– 2 whole artichokes
– Water
– Lemon slices (optional)
– Butter or your preferred dipping sauce (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the artichokes as mentioned earlier by trimming the stems, tops, and outer leaves.
Place the artichokes in a microwave-safe dish with about one inch of water.
Optionally, squeeze lemon juice over the artichokes or place lemon slices on top to add flavor.
Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
Microwave on high power for 6-10 minutes.
Carefully remove the plastic wrap and test one of the outer leaves for tenderness.
If needed, continue microwaving in one-minute intervals until fully cooked.
Once cooked, remove the artichokes from the dish and let them cool slightly.
Serve with melted butter or your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
In conclusion, cooking artichokes in the microwave is a quick and effortless way to enjoy this tasty vegetable. With the right preparation and cooking time, you can have perfectly cooked artichokes ready to enjoy in just a few minutes. Experiment with different sauces and dips to find the perfect accompaniment to this healthy and flavorful dish.