Meet your new favorite appetizer, Zesty Lemon Herb Artichokes. With their bright lemony flavor and fresh herbs, these artichokes make a delightful dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. Perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something special.
Artichokes are the star of the show, offering a unique, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with bright herbs. Lemon adds a zesty, citrusy note essential for cutting through the richness. Olive oil is used for roasting, providing a smooth, rich base for the herbs to adhere to. Garlic brings a punch of savory depth that enhances the overall flavor. Salt and black pepper are your basic seasonings, crucial for elevating all the flavors. Parsley, basil, and thyme add a fresh, aromatic touch that ties everything together.
These artichokes pair wonderfully with a light aioli or a simple garlic butter sauce for dipping. They also make a great side dish for grilled chicken or fish, complementing the proteins with their fresh, zesty flavors. If you're hosting a dinner, consider serving them as a starter alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it heats up, let's prep the artichokes. Trim them by peeling off the tough outer leaves and slicing off the top third of each artichoke. This not only makes them more aesthetically pleasing but also helps them cook evenly. Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the lemon slices to the water, which will infuse the artichokes with a subtle citrus flavor as they blanch for about 10 minutes.
While the artichokes are blanching, get your herb mixture ready. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, parsley, basil, and thyme. Give it a good stir to make sure all the ingredients are well mixed. Once the artichokes are done blanching, drain them and place them in a baking dish. Drizzle the herb mixture over the artichokes, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 45 minutes.
After the initial bake, remove the foil and let them bake for another 10 minutes. This final step helps to lightly brown the tops, adding a bit of texture and extra flavor. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool slightly before serving.
Share