Cinnamon Free Cilantro-Lime Steamed Artichokes
Steamed artichokes are one of those dishes that feel a little luxurious without requiring much effort, and this bright, herby version is genuinely hard to resist. The artichokes are steamed over a fragrant bath of garlic, cilantro, and lime, so they absorb flavor from the inside out before they even hit the plate. Pulling each leaf through that avocado oil and lime dipping sauce — punchy with fresh cilantro, a hint of cumin, and a little heat from red pepper flakes — makes the whole experience feel interactive and fun. For anyone navigating a spice sensitivity, this recipe is a great reminder that bold flavor doesn't require a long list of warming spices. Every ingredient here is straightforward and easy to verify, so there's no second-guessing what went into the pot. It works beautifully as a starter or a light main, and the dipping sauce comes together in minutes while the artichokes do their thing on the stove.
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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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