Recipe: Grilled Artichokes with Garlic-Chive Aioli (pics)

PatioDaddio

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Grilled Artichokes with Garlic-Chive Aioli

Spring is the peak harvest time for artichokes, and this time of year is also
the kick-off of the traditional grilling season. I'm almost embarrassed to say
that, although I love artichokes, I've never grilled them. I finally struck
them from my to-try list last weekend.

GrilledArtichokes_4_630.jpg


Being flower buds, artichokes require some unique preparation, but it's
really not difficult. Once you get the hang of it you can make pretty quick
work of them. Like many things, the first one is a learning experience.

I served these with a nice tangy garlic and chive aioli, which complimented
the fire-roasted buds nicely.

Ingredients
3-4 Artichokes
Canola oil spray
Kosher salt
Pepper
1/2 cup Lemon juice (for acidulated water)

Garlic-Chive Aioli
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
1/4 cup Crema Mexicana (or sour cream)
1 Tbsp Chives, chopped to 1/8"
1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp Ground white pepper
1/8 tsp Ground cayenne (or more to taste)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Pinch smoked paprika

Method
Combine all of the aioli ingredients in a small mixing bowl, whisk well, cover
and refrigerate at least one hour to allow the flavors to marry.

Add about a gallon of cold water to a stock pot and stir in the lemon juice.

Rinse the artichokes well under cold water, then shake off the excess
water.

Trim about 1/2" from the stem, and 1 1/2" from the top of one artichoke.

Using kitchen shears or scissors, trim about 1/2" from the tip of each petal.

GrilledArtichokes_1.jpg


Slice the artichoke in half vertically.

GrilledArtichokes_2.jpg


Using a melon baller or a spoon, scoop out the choke (the hairy looking
thing and the purple leaves) from each half of the artichoke.

Put the artichoke in the lemon water. This prevents the cut portions from
turning brown.

Repeat the process with the remaining artichokes.

About 45 minutes before you're ready to serve, remove the artichokes from
the stock pot, drain the water, add about an inch of fresh water and a
steamer basket to the pot.

Steam the artichokes for 20 minutes.

While the artichokes are steaming, start your grill and prepare for indirect
cooking at medium-high heat (350-375º).

Remove the artichokes to a sheet pan and season each half liberally with
salt and pepper.

Spray both sides of each half with oil.

Grill the artichokes cut-side-up indirect for 15 minutes.

GrilledArtichokes_3.jpg


Turn the artichokes over and grill indirect for another 10 minutes.

Serve with the aioli and enjoy!

-----

John
 
Last edited:
Much love for the Artichoke. Seldom see them on the BBQ - such an underrated grill option. I live close to Castroville and have been cooking these my whole life.
 
I have loved artichokes my whole life living in California just miles away from the Artichoke capitol. I have never grilled artichokes...... I have always steamed. Every "grilled" artichoke I have had in a restaurants was undercooked and chewey. I am pretty sure they didn't steam first.
Thanks PattioDaddio!
 
You may not have grilled them before but I have never eaten one. Those look really good, I'll have to try this.
 
That looks awesome John, will definitely have to try it soon! Quick question - when steamed then grilled can you eat the whole 'leaf' or is it a case of dipping in the aioli and biting off just the softer lower section?
 
Those look beautiful. I've only grilled the babies before. Done those whole and they come out pretty tasty. Never thought of slicing them in half. Will have to give it a shot. Love grilled/smoked artichokes!

If the baby artichokes are small enough, you can eat them in their entirety.
 
My wife loves 'em steamed, but i find they have no real flavor. I will definitelt give this recipe a try in the very near future.
 
That looks awesome John, will definitely have to try it soon! Quick question - when steamed then grilled can you eat the whole 'leaf' or is it a case of dipping in the aioli and biting off just the softer lower section?

Thanks

No, you can't eat the whole leaf/petal, unless you need a lot of extra fiber in
your diet. :shocked: :-D

John
 
Much love for the Artichoke. Seldom see them on the BBQ - such an underrated grill option. I live close to Castroville and have been cooking these my whole life.

I have loved artichokes my whole life living in California just miles away from the Artichoke capitol. I have never grilled artichokes...... I have always steamed. Every "grilled" artichoke I have had in a restaurants was undercooked and chewey. I am pretty sure they didn't steam first.
Thanks PattioDaddio!

Even though I grew up in Alabama, artichokes were a big treat whenever my dad (who grew up in the Bay Area) steamed them. Until this post, I only thought to steam them. Until this post, I always just dipped in mayo and a little lemon juice drizzeled over...Thanks for the Post John! I'll be trying this one.
 
OUTSTANDING! I love artichokes, always steamed them, never grilled them. I'll be trying them grilled REAL soon.
Thanks for sharing
 
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