Though commonly thought of as a vegetable, artichokes (also called globe artichokes) are actually a flower bud. A relative of the famous milk thistle, artichokes stimulate bile flow, which helps to carry toxins out of your body. Artichokes have been used as an indigestion remedy in Europe for more than a century. One artichoke contains about 25 percent of our daily fiber needs and 16 essential nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, calcium and magnesium.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh artichokes
- pinch pink rock or gray sea salt
- 2 Tbsp organic lemon juice
- 2–3 cloves garlic
- 1 recipe Heart-Healthy Dipping Sauce
How to Make It
- Cut off some of the stem, and the tips of the artichoke leaves.
- In a large pot, bring filtered water (enough to cover the artichokes) to a boil, and add the salt. Add the artichokes, lemon juice and garlic.
- Simmer for 15 minutes or until tender (older artichokes may take longer to cook). Prepare the dipping sauce while the artichokes cook.
- To test for doneness, pull off a leaf; it should come off easily. Drain well, discarding the garlic, and dry the artichokes by squeezing gently in a clean kitchen towel.
- Enjoy pulling off the leaves one at a time and dipping them in the sauce. Remove the “chokes” (the hairy center) and discard. Marinate the hearts in the rest of the sauce or add to your next salad.
