I love artichokes. One medium artichoke contains only 25 calories, no fat, oodles of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. The trick is to keep the sauces you dip the suckers in from getting crazy. Most people dip the leaves in melted butter or mayonnaise which can add up fast. I made this high protein and super yummy alternative...
Shelly's Steamed Artichokes with Roasted Garlic Yogurt Dip
To prepare the artichokes: With a sharp knife slice about 3/4 inch to an inch off the tip of the artichoke. Cut off stem and peel off any shady looking outside layers. Rinse the artichokes in cold water. Squeeze either lime or lemon juice over the cut artichokes to prevent browning. Not too much. A wedge of lime/lemon will be plenty for 4 small/medium artichokes.
You can boil them at this point in water for 30 minutes or so (till fork tender) or I prefer to microwave steam them. Place 1/2 cup of water in base of steamer dish. Place artichokes on steam basket.
Cover and microwave for 10 minutes or until fork tender. To serve sprinkle each artichoke with 1 teaspoon of grated Parmesan Cheese and serve with Shelly's Roasted Garlic Yogurt Dip.
To eat: Pull off outer petals. Dip white fleshy end in Shelly's Roasted Garlic Yogurt Dip. Tightly grip the other end of the petal. Place in mouth and pull through teeth to remove the soft portion of the petal and the yummy dip. Discard remaining petal. When you get to the end of the leaves you'll find the inedible fuzzy wispy part (don't eat it, it's called the "choke" for a reason.) With a spoon scrape out the fuzzy wispy choke and discard. The remaining bottom of the artichoke is the heart. Cut into pieces, dip and eat.
Shelly's Roasted Garlic Yogurt Dip
3 oz. Fage Greek Yogurt (I use 2%)
1 Tablespoon Mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons Roasted Garlic Cloves (Here's How To Roast Garlic)
Kosher Salt to taste
Place everything in a mini food processor and whiz till smooth. Excellent for dipping artichokes, all veggies, chicken or beef kabobs, mini meatloaf, soy crisps. Makes enough for 4 medium artichokes.
