There's no reason to be intimidated by artichokes. They're super easy to make and REALLY fun to eat (like a little project!). Check out our Sassy 'n Steamy Artichoke. Make both sauces or just one... your call!
Ingredients:
1 large artichoke
For Creamy Salsa Dipping Sauce1 1/2 tbsp. fat-free plain Greek yogurt (
Fage Total 0% is the best)
1 1/2 tbsp. salsa
For Lemon Butter Dipping Sauce1 1/2 tbsp. light whipped butter or light buttery spread (like
Brummel & Brown)
1/4 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. chopped garlic
Directions:Cut stem off artichoke and remove small, tough leaves at the base. Slice an inch off the top of the artichoke and, if you like, trim the tips of the leaves with kitchen shears.
Place artichoke in a large microwave-safe bowl, base down, and add about 1/2 inch of water to the bowl. Cover and microwave for 6 - 8 minutes. Let stand for 1 - 2 minutes before uncovering. Leaves should detach easily from artichoke. Drain water and allow to cool slightly.
To make the creamy salsa, combine yogurt with salsa in a small bowl and mix well.
To make the lemon butter sauce, combine all ingredients in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 10 seconds, or until melted, and mix well.
Serve your steamed 'choke with dipping sauce(s). Here's the 1-2-3 on how to eat it:
1. Pull off a leaf and dip the base in sauce.
2. Place the base in your mouth, dip side up, and gently close your teeth around it.
3. Scrape it along your top teeth to consume the soft, delicious part (YUM!), and then discard the leaf.
Now repeat! And when all the leaves are gone, scoop out and discard the thistle-like choke, and enjoy the artichoke bottom (the BEST part)!
MAKES 1 SERVING
