Artichokes … for dinner?! It’s true, this vegetable looks more like some sort of ancient dinosaur egg than something delectable. But before you (or your kids) are turned off by this prehistoric-looking veggie, give it a try. Its tart flavor mellows as it cooks and just begs to be paired with rich, creamy ingredients. First, try serving it simply prepared by learning how to cook an artichoke – and eat it, of course. Prepare it with a creamy sauce to bake over chicken by using the recipe for spinach artichoke chicken – you might add roasted potatoes and artichokes to the side. With all of these recipes to choose from, there’s sure to be one your kids will like.
How to Cook and Eat an Artichoke
Confused by exactly what to do with an artichoke? With this guide, Simply Recipes teaches you how to cook and eat an artichoke. Start by trimming the outside parts of the artichoke and removing any excess stem. Steam the artichoke with garlic to soften to infuse it with flavor. Serve the artichoke with a creamy dip.
Simple ‘Stuffed-Artichokes’ Appetizer
Traditional recipes for stuffed artichokes take time to prepare – not this one! Try this trimmed down appetizer recipe for simple ‘stuffed-artichokes’ from Kraft. Layer cut, drained artichoke at the bottom of a pie plate. Top with a mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic and olive oil. Bake for 30 minutes and you’ve got a kid-friendly app to share with your family.
Roasted Potatoes and Artichokes
Use artichokes to add a vinegary bite with this recipe for roasted potatoes and artichokes from Taste of Home. Fill a cookie sheet with diced red potatoes and halved artichoke hearts (drained). Drizzle with olive oil, thyme and salt. Bake at high heat until golden.
Spinach Artichoke Chicken
Move artichokes past the appetizer category with this recipe for spinach artichoke chicken from Barefoot in the Kitchen. Bake chicken breasts until almost cooked through. Then remove them from the oven and add a combination of artichoke hearts, spinach, diced onion, garlic, mayonnaise and shredded cheese. Finish baking until your kitchen is full of the smell of sweet garlic. This dish is great served with rice or buttered noodles.
Bacon and Artichoke Pasta
Are your kiddos bacon fans? Then they’ll love this bacon and artichoke pasta recipe from The Food Network. Saute bacon in a skillet until crisped. Next, cook diced onion and garlic in the bacon grease. Add in artichoke hearts and white wine or chicken broth. Cook penne pasta and toss with the mixture. To make it more of a meal add in cooked, cubed chicken or even chunks of cooked Italian sausage and lightly sautéed bell pepper strips.
Chicken with Sugar Snap Peas & Spring Herbs
Dredge chicken pieces in flour and then sauté in olive oil until just cooked. Whisk into the pan a mixture of chicken broth, mustard and flour. Stir in artichoke hearts and snap peas along with fresh herbs (or dried). Pour the sauce over each serving of chicken. Pair with mashed potatoes for a kid-pleasing meal. That’s it to make this recipe for chicken with sugar snap peas & spring herbs from Eating Well.
