Capsaicin Free Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes
Artichokes have a reputation for being fussy, but the Instant Pot completely changes the game — tender, beautifully steamed leaves in a fraction of the time it takes on the stovetop. The fragrant cooking liquid of garlic, lemon, and bay leaf infuses every layer as the pressure does its work, so the flavor goes well beyond plain steamed vegetables. Pulling each leaf through that warm lemon-garlic butter is genuinely one of the most satisfying ways to eat, and the whole experience feels far more special than the effort involved. For anyone avoiding capsaicin, this recipe is a natural fit — there's no heat, no spice blends, and no hidden chili derivatives anywhere in the ingredient list, just clean, bright, buttery flavors. The simple technique of rubbing cut surfaces with lemon keeps everything looking gorgeous on the plate, and the optional parsley adds a fresh pop of color without complicating a thing. Whether you're serving these as a starter or a light main, they're the kind of dish that makes people slow down and actually enjoy the process of eating.
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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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