Artificial Food Coloring Free Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes
Artichokes are one of those vegetables that feel like a special occasion the moment they hit the table, and the Instant Pot makes the whole process genuinely effortless. Every ingredient here is exactly what it looks like — fresh artichokes, lemon, garlic, butter, and a handful of pantry staples — so there's no label-reading required and no hidden additives to worry about. The pressure cooker locks in that naturally earthy, slightly sweet flavor while getting the leaves perfectly tender in a fraction of the time stovetop steaming would take. A quick lemon-garlic butter comes together while the steam releases, and it's the kind of simple sauce that makes you want to drag every single leaf through the bowl. Pulling apart an artichoke leaf by leaf and scraping the tender flesh with your teeth is one of the most satisfying, hands-on eating experiences out there — it's slow food in the best possible way. This is the kind of recipe that impresses guests without stressing out the cook, and it works just as well as a starter for a dinner party as it does for a quiet weeknight treat.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the artichokes
- 4 medium artichokes (about 10–12 oz each)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 cup water
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp salt
For the dipping butter
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Trim the artichokes: slice off the top 1 inch of each artichoke with a chef's knife, then use kitchen shears to snip the sharp tips off the remaining outer leaves. Cut the stem flush with the base so each artichoke sits flat. Rub all cut surfaces immediately with the cut side of one lemon half to prevent browning.
- 2
Pour 1 cup water into the Instant Pot insert. Squeeze the remaining lemon half into the water, then drop in the spent lemon half, the smashed garlic cloves, bay leaf, and salt. Place the trivet or steamer basket in the pot and set the artichokes on it stem-side down.
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