Eating for Your Health: Artichokes

 

Artichokes are one of my favorite vegetables, and they are in season right now, so I thought I would tell you about their health benefits.   I have actually talked about artichokes before, but they are really super for you, and I wanted to share a recipe, so I though I would recap them.   Artichokes have anti-cancer properties, raise your good cholesterol, lower your bad cholesterol, and are anti-inflammatory.  They supposedly can even be used as deodorant and breath freshener.

One of the easiest ways to prepare artichokes is to steam them or use their hearts as an ingredient in dips, like this healthier version of the classic artichoke dip.

Now, for the recipe I wanted to share – Grilled Baby Artichokes.  These are just divine.

Grilled Baby Artichokes with Curry Dressing

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp. curry powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 Tbsp. ketchup
• a dash or two of hot sauce
• 12 baby artichokes
• 1 lemon
• olive oil to brush the artichokes
• sea salt to taste

Instructions

1. Combine first five ingredients, stirring until well combined. Refrigerate until serving.
2. One at a time, trim the stem and tip of the artichokes. Remove coarse outer leaves and trim the edge of remaining outside leaves. Cut in half. Rub all cut edges with lemon to prevent browning.
3. In a large pot filled with water, boil artichokes until just starting to become tender (5 to 10 minutes).
4. Drain artichokes.
5. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
6. Grill 5 minutes on each side.
7. Serve with curry dressing.

Sources:  WebMD

                   Food Matters