How to Cook French Artichokes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut each artichoke stem so the end is flat.
- Place the four artichokes in a large pot with their stem ends facing up.
- Pour in enough water to reach about 2 inches deep in the bottom of the pot.
- Put the lid on the pot.
- Cook over low heat for about 40 minutes.
- Check the stems. The artichokes are ready when the stems are tender.
- Lift the artichokes from the pot with tongs and place one on each serving plate.
- Serve with melted butter, garlic, fresh lemon juice, or homemade aioli as desired.
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Four French artichokes cook stem-side up in a covered pot with about two inches of water. Keep the heat low for about 40 minutes, then check the stems for tenderness.
I homeschool and work second shift, so I appreciate a short, clear cooking sequence. Set the artichokes stem-side up over about two inches of water, cover the pot, and keep it on low heat for about forty minutes. The tenderness check at the stem decides when to lift them out.
Yield: 4 servings
Cook time: About 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 whole French or globe artichokes
- Water to reach about 2 inches deep in the pot
Serving Options, As Desired
- Melted butter, after butter is included in the eater’s GAPS dairy progression
- Garlic
- Fresh lemon juice
- Homemade aioli made with GAPS-permitted ingredients
French or globe artichokes and water are the entire cooked recipe; everything in the serving-options list is added at the table rather than during cooking, so you can offer melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, or aioli depending on what each person is ready for.
Method
- Cut each artichoke stem so the end is flat.
- Place the four artichokes in a large pot with their stem ends facing up.
- Pour in enough water to reach about 2 inches deep in the bottom of the pot.
- Put the lid on the pot.
- Cook over low heat for about 40 minutes.
- Check the stems. The artichokes are ready when the stems are tender.
- Lift the artichokes from the pot with tongs and place one on each serving plate.
- Serve with melted butter, garlic, fresh lemon juice, or homemade aioli as desired.
The Physical Cue That Matters
The stem is the doneness check. Keep the lid on and the heat low for about 40 minutes, then test whether a stem is tender.
The two inches refers to water depth in the pot. Set the artichokes stem-side up, add the water, cover, and keep it at a low cook rather than submerging the whole artichokes.
Why This Is a Full GAPS Preparation
French or globe artichokes are Full GAPS vegetables. Jerusalem artichoke is a different starchy tuber and does not belong in this recipe.
The cooking formula needs only artichokes and water. Serve melted butter once butter is included in your dairy progression, or add garlic, fresh lemon juice, or homemade aioli made with permitted ingredients.
Storage and Serving
Serve the artichokes warm right after cooking, with whichever serving option fits the eater’s current stage.
Refrigerate any leftover cooked artichokes in a covered container. Reheat gently, or serve them at room temperature with fresh lemon juice.
FAQ
Which Kind of Artichoke Belongs in This Recipe?
Use French or globe artichokes. Jerusalem artichoke is a different tuber and does not belong in this formula.
Do the Artichokes Sit Upright or Stem-side Up?
Stem-side up in the covered pot.
How Much Water Goes in the Pot?
Add enough water to make a depth of about 2 inches.
How Do I Know They Are Done?
Cook covered on low for about 40 minutes; the stems should be tender.
Can I Serve a Bottled Dip?
Use melted butter when appropriate, garlic, fresh lemon juice, or homemade aioli made with permitted ingredients.
Related Recipes
Pair these artichokes with Full GAPS Green Beans with Brown Butter and Pepitas or Greek Beef Kabobs for Full GAPS for a full plate, or browse all recipes.
Recommended Equipment
- A large pot with a lid
- A knife for trimming the stems
- Tongs for lifting the artichokes out
Next Steps
The Full GAPS Cookbook is coming soon, with more simple vegetable sides like this one. While it is being prepared, browse all recipes for what to serve alongside it.
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