April 2, 2009

Grilled Artichokes with Balsamic Vinegar

Whenever I find artichokes at for 99 cents each I buy two.  My favorite way to eat these is grilled with a little balsamic vinegar. 
Trim the artichoke and cut off the killer points from the leaves!  Then boil for 40-45 minutes, or until tender.  I've already boiled this one and refrigerated it overnight.  I know it doesn't look very appetizing but hang in there... things will turn out just fine!
Cut the artichoke in half.  You can see on the left half that I've removed the purple leaves and spiny hairs from the center.  Careful not to cut out the heart... that's the best part.  Using a small teaspoon is good for cleaning these... just scrape out the yukkies using the tip of the spoon. 

Now place the halves in a frying pan (or griddle) cut side down and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes or so.
Using a spatula, turn the artichokes on their backs and sprinkle a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar  into the cavity and between the leaves.
Again, using a spatula turn the artichokes over again so the balsamic spurts and sputters and the steam  rises up and clears your sinuses.  (It's an added bonus.)  If your sinuses aren't in immediate need of a cleansing, simply step back from the stove when you turn these and you'll be home free.  
Let these cook for another 4 or 5 minutes until the balsamic has caramelized and the edges are nice and browned.
Sprinkle with a bit of Fleur de Sel and serve with lemon.  The balsamic flavors these so nicely, you won't even miss dipping the leaves in mayonnaise, melted butter, or any other dipping sauce!

When you get down to the heart, cut it into bite-sized pieces, squeeze a little lemon juice over them and enjoy!  Don't those hearts look like pieces of grilled meat?  Yum!
PRINT RECIPE HERE

22 comments:

  1. Oh these look marvelous!! I am such a traditional artichoke eater that I always hesitate to try changing. These look so good!! And I get so excited when I can find artichokes under $2 each -- so I tend to overbuy when they hit $1. GREAT post!!

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  2. Well, I've got to be honest, I'm not really an artichoke fan. But my parents love them and I know they've never tried this method before. I'll send them a link, I'm sure they'll be grateful. :)

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  3. I really have to give these a try. They look wonderful.

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  4. Love love love artichokes. They're so good grilled!

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  5. I have never made them any other way but stuffed.. This way looks fantastic. I use jarred ones sometimes for quiches and the like.. But fresh only stuffed.. I will have to remember this!

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  6. Perfectly delicious preparation of artichokes - they sound wonderful grilled!

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  7. They sound so good with balsamic vinegar! And your picture are really great!

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  8. Yum! I've never made artichokes this way. I usually just steam and eat the leaves w/mayo. When I was little, I used to throw the heart away (or perhaps my parents would pluck it from my plate). It wasn't until I got married that my husband showed me that the heart was not only edible, but the best part!

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  9. These look wonderful. I love artichokes, especially stuffed, but these would be great as part of an antipasti.

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  10. Ah, artichokes. Perfects the perfect springtime vegetable.

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  11. Your pictures are fantastic Karen, I've never had them but will try them soon!

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  12. Artichokes for 99¢???? Where or where do you find that! They are always so pricey. Your artichoke looks amazing. So so good. I need to try that soon.

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  13. I really need to get on the artichoke bandwagon - I'm obviously missing an incredible treat!

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  14. They do look good!! I've only had them steamed, and I love them that way, but roasted and grilled veggies are becoming my favs!!

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  15. Forgot how much I love artichokes...this sounds so delicious, especially with the balsamic & lemon additions. I usually do in butter but you're absolutely correct that it will not be missed here. Bravo Karen, you have made me drool again lol :o)

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  16. grapefruit spoons are great for digging the choke out...this looks soooo good!

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  17. Wonderful idea! I never thought grilling them though I do enjoy artichokes. And balsamic vinegar and lemon sound like the perfect complement.

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  18. Oh Karen these look delicious. I love artichokes.

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  19. Hi Karen :)

    I love artichokes and these look amazing!

    rue

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