Artificial Food Coloring Free Cilantro-Lime Steamed Artichokes
Steamed artichokes are one of those dishes that feel a little luxurious without requiring much effort at all, and this cilantro-lime version takes the experience to a whole new level. The steaming liquid is infused with smashed garlic, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, so the artichokes absorb bright, herby flavor from the inside out before they even hit the plate. Avoiding artificial dyes and synthetic additives is genuinely easy here because every single ingredient is a whole food — fresh citrus, herbs, spices, and avocado oil with nothing processed or packaged in sight. The dipping sauce is where things really shine: a punchy, vibrant blend of lime juice, cilantro, cumin, and a pinch of red pepper flakes that makes pulling each leaf feel like a little reward. It's the kind of recipe that looks impressive at the table but comes together with a knife, a pot, and a whisk. Whether you're serving these as a starter or a light main, they're the sort of thing people will ask you to make again.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the artichokes
- 4 large artichokes
- 1 lime, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- ½ cup fresh cilantro stems and leaves, loosely packed
- ½ tsp salt
For the dipping sauce
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water. Add the smashed garlic cloves, cilantro stems and leaves, the juice of half the lime (squeeze it directly into the water), and 1/2 tsp salt. Set a steamer basket inside the pot — the water should sit just below the basket.
- 2
Trim the artichokes: slice off the top 1 inch of each artichoke with a chef's knife, then snip the sharp tips from the outer leaves with kitchen shears if desired. Rub all cut surfaces immediately with the remaining lime half to prevent browning.
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