Description
Delight in these tender, charred grilled artichokes brushed with a zesty lemon-garlic olive oil marinade, served alongside a creamy garlic aioli that perfectly complements their smoky flavor. An elegant yet simple appetizer or side dish bursting with garlic and citrus notes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Artichokes
- 4 fresh artichokes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Aioli
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced (from the 3 cloves)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (from the lemon used)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Artichokes: Rinse the fresh artichokes under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim about the top inch of the artichoke to remove the tough tips. Also, trim the stems to create a stable base so they can stand upright on the grill.
- Remove Tough Outer Leaves: Peel away the tough outer leaves gently until you reach the tender, light green inner leaves. This makes the artichokes easier to eat and allows the marinade to penetrate better.
- Marinate the Artichokes: In a bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic (reserve some for the aioli), salt, and pepper. Using a brush, generously coat the artichokes with this lemon-garlic marinade, making sure to get some inside the leaves.
- Grill the Artichokes: Preheat your grill to medium heat, about 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated artichokes on the grill and cook for 25-30 minutes. Grill until the artichokes become tender and develop a nice char, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Prepare the Garlic Aioli: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the remaining minced garlic and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Present the grilled artichokes hot, accompanied by the garlic aioli on the side for dipping. Enjoy this delicious smoky and garlicky dish as an appetizer or side.
Notes
- Choose fresh artichokes with tight, compact leaves for the best texture and flavor.
- To check if artichokes are tender, insert a knife at the base; it should slide in easily.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter aioli variation.
- For added flavor, sprinkle the grilled artichokes with freshly grated Parmesan before serving.
- Grilling times may vary depending on grill heat and artichoke size; adjust accordingly.
