How to Cook Artichokes in the Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot)

 Originally posted by Modern-Day Ma on May 9, 2019

Did you know that the artichoke is part of the thistle family? Even so, ancient Romans considered it a food of the nobility. Normally grown in temperate climates, they do surprisingly well in my Zone 8 desert garden. Whether yours are fresh, or from the farmers market or grocery store, the electric pressure cooker (Instant pot) is the best way to cook one or several of these delicacies. More photos of the process and some helpful info can be found below the recipe.

How to Cook Artichokes in the Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot)

Fresh artichokes

½ lemon

Prepare the artichokes by rinsing well and slicing the top off with a very sharp knife. Then trim off the top of each petal with kitchen shears to remove the thorn end.

Place a steamer rack in the bottom of the electric pressure cooker and fill with about 1 inch of water (or the minimum required for your cooker). Squeeze most of the juice from ½ of a lemon into the water. Arrange artichokes right-side up, alternating. Try not to crowd them and be sure nothing is touching the inner top of the lid when the lid is closed.

Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes and then do a quick pressure release.

Remove artichokes with tongs and serve with dipping sauces. When you get down to the last papery petals, be sure to scrape out the “choke” with a spoon before enjoying the heart. Also, take care when you reach the inner leaves that were not trimmed, as they will still have the thorn at the top.

Dipping Sauces

Melted butter

Melted butter mixed with freshly pressed garlic, salt, and pepper

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise mixed with garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper

Yum!

What the petal looks like after trimming.

All the petals trimmed.

Layered in the cooker. Some of these were small, which is why I could fit so many. Notice how they are stacked “checkerboard style” to allow the steam to circulate evenly.

When finished they are, sadly, a dull green color. 20 minutes is plenty of time for freshly-picked artichokes-be careful not to overcook! Test each to see if one of the petals pulls out easily. If so, they’re done! If not, a couple of more minutes on high pressure should do the trick. Sometimes store-bought artichokes will require a few extra minutes of cooking time.