ARTICHOKE WITH GARLIC BUTTER DIP

Directions

1. 1
   How to cook artichokes?
2. 2
   How to cut artichokes
3. 3
   Remove the stem (bottom) of the artichoke so that they sit flat. Using a scissor, trim the tip of each leaf. Now rub each trimmed edge with lemon juice and keep it aside while you repeat the process for the other artichoke. Applying lemon juice prevents it from turning brown.
4. 4
   Steam artichokes
5. 5
   Choose a pan such that these artichokes fit snugly in the pan. Add water to the pan to submerge the base of the artichoke (about 1 inch). Add ½ tablespoon of lemon juice and salt to taste. Bring it to a nice boil on medium-high heat, and then cover and simmer for another 30 minutes on medium-low heat or until the leaves can be pulled off easily.
6. 6
   Let it cool
7. 7
   Carefully remove the steamed artichokes from the water and allow them to cool down completely.
8. 8
   How to make garlic butter dipping sauce
9. 9
   Crush garlic cloves
10. 10
    Using a mortar and pestle, crush garlic cloves.
11. 11
    Melt butter
12. 12
    In a pan on medium heat, add butter, let it melt, and slowly start turning golden.
13. 13
    Saute garlic
14. 14
    Add crushed garlic and saute for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Be sure not to burn the garlic. Switch off the flame.
15. 15
    Add herbs and lemon juice
16. 16
    Add cilantro, basil leaves, lemon juice, and salt and stir.
17. 17
    Transfer this to a small bowl or ramekin.
18. 18
    How to eat an artichoke?
19. 19
    How to eat an artichoke
20. 20
    To eat: pull the leaves off the steamed artichokes one at a time. Dip the base of the leaves into the prepared garlic butter dip and pull through your teeth to remove the soft and pulpy portion. Discard the remaining fibrous part of the leaves.
21. 21
    Heart of artichoke
22. 22
    Once you finish off the leaves, use a spoon and scrape out the hair of the artichoke, and there comes the best part. The "heart of the artichoke." Eat this by dipping it in the melted garlic butter sauce, and enjoy!