Description
This Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes recipe features tender, perfectly steamed artichokes served with a rich and smoky garlic aioli. Quick and easy to prepare, the artichokes are pressure cooked to retain their natural flavors and paired with a creamy, flavorful aioli that enhances every bite. Ideal as an appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Artichokes
- 2 medium artichokes, trimmed
- 1 cup water
- ½ lemon, sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
Smoky Garlic Aioli
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Prepare Artichokes: Cut the stalks off the artichokes and trim 1 inch from the tip. Peel the bottom two rows of leaves. Using scissors, trim off the sharp ends of the remaining leaves, cutting about ¾ to 1 inch from each leaf to prevent any prickliness while eating.
- Set Up Instant Pot: Add the sliced lemons, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, and 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot. Insert the steamer rack inside the pot.
- Steam Artichokes: Place the artichokes stem side up on the steamer rack. It’s okay to stack more than two if needed. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, adjusting time slightly based on size if necessary.
- Release Pressure: When the cooking cycle completes, press cancel and manually release the pressure by carefully turning the pressure valve to venting.
- Serve Artichokes: Remove the artichokes with tongs, leaving them whole or slicing in half as preferred. Serve warm.
- Make Smoky Garlic Aioli: In a bowl, mix together the grated garlic, smoked paprika, lemon juice, sea salt, and mayonnaise until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve; this can be made a few days in advance for convenience.
- Eat and Enjoy: To eat, peel off each leaf of the artichoke and dip the tender base into the smoky garlic aioli or your preferred sauce. Repeat until you reach the heart, which is fully edible and the best part.
Notes
- Adjust pressure cooking time according to the size of the artichokes; larger ones may need 12-15 minutes.
- Trim sharp leaf tips carefully to avoid prickly bites when eating.
- The aioli can be prepared several days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Use tongs to safely remove hot artichokes from the Instant Pot.
- If you prefer, swap the mayonnaise for a vegan alternative to suit dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Instant Pot artichokes, steamed artichokes, garlic aioli, smoky aioli, pressure cooker appetizer, Mediterranean recipe
