
Steamed artichokes have a reputation for being fussy, but the Instant Pot makes the whole process genuinely foolproof โ tender leaves and a silky heart in a fraction of the time it takes on the stovetop. The cooking liquid gets a boost from smashed garlic, a bay leaf, and fresh lemon, so the artichokes absorb a subtle, savory fragrance as they steam under pressure. Once they're done, a quick lemon-garlic butter comes together in minutes and is honestly reason enough to make this dish on repeat. Pulling each leaf through that warm, bright butter is one of those simple pleasures that feels far more indulgent than it actually is. For anyone navigating a diet that rules out certain spices and seasonings, this recipe is a natural fit โ the ingredient list is clean and straightforward, with nothing hidden in a spice blend or pre-made sauce. The doneness test is built right into the instructions, so even first-timers will know exactly when the artichokes are perfectly cooked. It's an elegant appetizer or side dish that lets the vegetable itself do all the heavy lifting.
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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.
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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