- I've been in Los Angeles for a week and we've already grilled artichokes three times. While the earth in my neck of the woods back east still snores through its winter slumber, agriculture is full-on here. Given the warm weather, we decided to grill as much as possible so we've been finishing off the 'chokes on the grill. It lends a nice crispy texture to the edges (think potato chip!) and a smoky flavor that you just can't get out of a pot of boiling water.
Grilled Artichokes
Serves 6 to 8
3 whole artichokes
1 lemon
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
4-6 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
4-6 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
If using a grill that needs to be started ahead of time, prepare the fire.
Fill a stockpot with water — deep enough to for the artichokes to fully float — and bring to a boil.
Trim the ends off the artichoke stems, slice out the fuzzy choke, and slice the artichokes in half lengthwise. Set them, cut side down, on a platter or cutting board.
Zest the lemon and reserve the zest. Slice the lemon in half. Crush the garlic.
When the water is boiling, squeeze the lemons and drop the rinds into the water. Add the salt, pepper and garlic. Gently lower the artichoke halves into the boiling water and lower the heat to simmer. Cook until the leaves pull away when gently tugged, 15 to 20 minutes, turning the artichokes over halfway through.
Remove the artichokes with tongs and drain on a towel. When cool enough to handle, brush the cut side with olive oil. Place them cut-side down on the grill and cook about 3 minutes, until grill-marks form.
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