𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙠𝙚
This week we have artichoke veggie from the Aster family. It's known for its unique appearance and salty taste.
Background:
Before the artichoke became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages, it was believed that it originated in Italy and North Africa. Artichoke was also well known back in ancient Greece and Rome, both for its cooking and medical usage.
More about artichoke:
The artichoke can grow up to 182cm with green leaves and spiky edges, and it can take several months to pick up. They are mostly grown for their flower buds, which can be eaten. The flower buds are picked before the plant fully blooms.
Artichoke can be enjoyed as a simple steamed side dish or used in bigger recipes. But either way, they will all benefit you. Artichokes are great for your health since they are low in calories, excellent to your liver, and high in dietary fibre.
Fascinating facts to tell a friend about artichokes:
- Artichokes have been used as a symbol in many regions.
- Artichokes can be enjoyed at a party as a dip with cheese and other seasoning
- Artichokes are one of the favourites when it comes to a weight-loss diet
- And if artichokes are left to grow as they should, they’ll open into a beautiful flower with purple-blue leaves that look like a thistle
Easy Baked Artichoke
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 1 artichoke
- ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- ½ cup plant based cheese
Recipe from tasty.co
Instructions:
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Remove the stem of the artichoke. Cut about 1 inch (2 cm) off the top of the artichoke. Take a pair of kitchen scissors and snip off the thorns on the tip of the artichoke petals.
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Take half a lemon and rub lemon juice over the cut portion of the artichoke to prevent it from browning. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread open the petals and rub minced garlic all over. Add the parsley and plant based cheese; make sure to get it in between the petals. Top with more pepper if desired.
- Wrap the artichoke in aluminium foil. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- When done, serve with extra parsley, lemon wedge and your favourite dipping sauce.
- Enjoy!