Artichokes in the Pressure Cooker

By Betty2534

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized artichokes
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp. dried lemon zest or 1-2 tsp. fresh lemon zest
• 1 tsp. dried shallots or 2 tsp. minced fresh shallots
• (You can use any flavorings of your choice such as onions, garlic, chiles, or herbs.)

Preparation

Step 1

Put the metal rack in the bottom of the pressure cooker. Add 2 cups water and put on the stove and bring to a boil.

While water is coming to a boil, cut off discolored end of artichoke stem and remove any stray leaves growing below the base of the artichoke, then use a vegetable peeler to peel the thicker skin on the stem. Cut artichoke in half lengthwise through the stem. Use a small, sharp knife to make a deep cut below the choke on each artichoke half, then pull away the very inside leaves, pulling the choke with it. (This may take a few cuts your first try.) Rinse the inside of the artichoke if any fuzzy choke fibers remain.

Add lemon zest and shallots to boiling water in the pressure cooker, then put in artichokes, inside facing down. Lock lid and bring to high pressure, then lower heat enough to maintain high pressure and pressure cook for 6 minutes. (Start timing as soon as high pressure is reached.) After six minutes, use quick release method to release pressure, then open lid carefully. Test for doneness by pulling out one leaf; it should remove easily and be tender on the end and the stem should pierce easily with a fork. My artichokes were perfectly cooked in six minutes, but if you need to cook a little longer, just put lid on but don’t lock and cook a few minutes more.

To cook in the Instant Pot or Cuisinart Electric Pressure Cooker, prepare the artichokes as above and put in the Instant Pot with the water and seasonings, using the rack that comes with the instant pot or a steamer basket. Use the manual mode and set to HIGH PRESSURE for 9 minutes. (If you don’t cut the artichokes in half and remove the choke before cooking, they will take a few minutes longer.) Use the quick release method.