Grilled Pressure Cooker Artichokes with Lemon Aioli
I know it sounds weird to have two cooking methods in the title, but I like to pre-cook my artichokes first in the pressure cooker, then grill them briefly for flavor. You can also use an Instant Pot to make these.
Yields 4
4 medium artichokes
2 lemons, and zest from 1⁄2 lemon
1⁄2 c mayonnaise
4 garlic cloves, grated, divided
2 T butter, melted
2 t chopped fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper
Lemon wedges for serving
Combine about 1 teaspoon garlic with the chopped thyme and melted butter and stir to combine. Add a pinch of salt and some pepper. Set aside.
Make aioli by combining mayonnaise and lemon zest with remaining garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Squeeze a lemon into a large bowl of water. Using a heavy chef’s knife, cut the top 1⁄4 off of each artichoke. Then trim the dried stem end. The stem can be eaten, as long as it is peeled, so leave as much as you can. Use kitchen shears to cut off the sharp points on the remaining leaves. Slice the artichokes in half lengthwise and remove the choke (inedible, hairy part at the base), a toothed grapefruit spoon works well, and rub the cut sides with lemon juice to prevent browning. Drop trimmed artichokes into the acidulated water while you continue to trim others.
Prepare the grill (or broiler).
Place a steamer basket into pressure cooker or Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Place artichoke halves into the basket. Secure lid and bring to high pressure over high heat. (For Instant Pot, use “Manual” function and cook at high pressure for about 10 minutes, depending on the size of artichokes) Once the pressure cooker is under pressure, set timer for 10 minutes (large artichokes will need more time, add 5 minutes). Release pressure carefully, then open. Remove artichokes from the pressure cooker with tongs to a platter. Check doneness by inserting a knife point into heart. If they are still a bit firm, just grill them a bit longer in the next step. Brush cut sides of artichokes with the melted butter mixture. Grill (or broil cut side up) the artichoke halves, cut side down, for about 5 minutes, until you see grill marks.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve with Lemon Aioli and extra lemon wedges.