| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 367 | 31g | 5g | 24g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 10g | 7g | 0.6g |
There are few pleasures in the world that compare to the simple joy of biting into a perfectly Grilled Artichoke with Lemon Aioli. Succulent, aromatic, and delectably savory – it’s an ode to the best that vegetables have to offer and a testament to the transformative alchemy of the grill.
Back home in Louisiana, my family has always held a deep reverence for food, celebrating every gustatory harmony with equal parts joy and gusto. To me, these Grilled Artichokes represent more than a quick and easy side dish recipe, they are a connection to my French ancestors who embraced vegetables as the main stars of their cuisine.
Culinary Heritage
In both Creole and French cuisine, artichokes hold a revered place. Be it through a traditional French Cream of Artichoke Soup or an integral part of a Louisiana Seafood Boil, they are a veritable embodiment of my culinary DNA. With this Grilled Artichokes with Lemon Aioli recipe, I aim to honor those traditions while providing a unique gustatory experience.
Mélange of Flavors and Health Benefits
Another reason why I adore this recipe so much is the multi-layered flavor profile it offers. The slightly smoky flavor of grilled artichokes paired with the tangy, creamy Lemon Aioli creates an intoxicating blend for the palette. As for the health benefits, artichokes are powerhouses of nutrients. They are rich in fiber, low in fat, and packed with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, K, B9, and potassium.
The Lemon Aioli, on the other hand, is not only a zingy delight but also rich in heart-healthy mono-saturated fats from the olive oil and the crisp, immune-boosting power of fresh lemons. Combined, this dish is a flavorful delight and a nutritional boon.
Create a Feast
These Grilled Artichokes are versatile and pair beautifully with other dishes. Try them alongside a succulent roast chicken, or make them the standout appetizer at your next gathering. The zesty Lemon Aioli also finds perfect partners in crispy, seasoned fries or a fresh, crusty baguette.
Ultimately, it’s this ability to both stand alone and harmonize with other dishes that make Grilled Artichokes with Lemon Aioli a recipe that I genuinely love and enjoy sharing with others. The joy it brings to the table reflects the love and history I carry with every recipe I curate and craft.
What You’ll Need
- 6 large artichokes
- 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 lemons, halved
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the artichokes. Trim the pointed tips of the leaves and cut off the stems. Cut each artichoke in half from top to bottom. Remove the fuzzy choke from the center of each half, then rinse and dry the artichokes.
Step Two
Toss the artichokes in a large bowl with the olive oil and some salt and pepper. Make sure they are well coated.
Step Three
Preheat a grill to medium heat. Place the artichokes on the grill, cut side down. Grill until they are tender and lightly charred, about 10-15 minutes. Squeeze some lemon juice over the artichokes while they grill.
Step Four
While the artichokes are grilling, prepare the lemon aioli. Combine the minced garlic and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Add the fresh lemon juice, finely chopped parsley and grated lemon zest to the bowl. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
Step Five
Remove the artichokes from the grill and serve them immediately with the lemon aioli on the side for dipping.
