Preparing fresh artichokes shouldn't be intimidating; our step-by-step guide will have boiled or grilled chokes on your table in less than an hour.

Makes 4 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 50 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Moderate

2 lemons
4 large artichokes (3-3 1/2 pounds total)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste

1. To prepare artichokes: Fill a Dutch oven with water; add the juice of 1 lemon. Trim leaves from the top of an artichoke. Remove the outer layer(s) of leaves from the stem end and snip all remaining spiky tips from the outer leaves. Trim an inch off the bottom of the stem and use a vegetable peeler to remove the fibrous outer layer. As each artichoke is prepared, drop it into the lemon water to prevent it from turning brown.
2. When all the artichokes are prepared, cover the pan and bring to a boil. Boil until the base of the stem can be pierced with a fork, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let stand until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, preheat grill to medium. Slice the artichokes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the choke and first few inner layers in the center until the heart is revealed. Brush each half with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the artichokes until tender and lightly charred, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a serving platter, squeeze half a lemon over them and garnish with the remaining lemon half cut into 4 wedges. Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled.

Variation: For boiled artichokes, add 5 minutes to the cooking time in Step 2. Serve whole or cut in half and scoop out the chokes.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 109 calories; 4 g fat (1 g sat, 3 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 17 g carbohydrate; 5 g protein; 9 g fiber; 225 mg sodium; 604 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (35% daily value), Folate (27% dv), Magnesium (24% dv), Potassium (17% dv).

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Grilled artichokes will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 1 day and may be served chilled.

You can skip the first few steps and buy the artichokes in the can. Just start from grill !!!

Anonymous, Poughkeepsie, NY

Try fresh first. There is a huge difference when using fresh artichokes vs canned.

Anonymous, Philadelphia, PA