Grilled Artichokes with lemon garlic Aioli

Grilled Artichokes

For 4 people, you would use 2 artichokes. Basically, plan half an artichoke per person at the very least.

First, cut off 2/3 of the stem, and then the top 1 inch of the choke.

Next, rinse in cold water to remove any excess dirt/bugs

Cut in half with a large very sharp knife.

Using a parring knife, clean out all of the little hairs near the heart of the artichoke.

Rinse again, in clean water.

In a large baking dish ( 9 by 13) or bigger, drizzle some olive oil, fresh lemon juice and sea salt.

Put the artichokes face(cut side) down, in the olive oil and seasoning mixture. Let sit for a while to absorb the flavors. 

On a VERY hot grill (we prefer charcoal, but gas works great too).

Cook the artichokes for 5 minutes on each side,

then turn the grill down to a medium low heat, and continue to cook until they are nice and tender.

About forty minutes. If you would like to speed up the grilling process,

you can parboil the artichokes, by steaming them in the microwave for about 5 or 6 minutes on high to soften them up.

While you are cooking them on the grill, continue to baste them with the oil and salt mixture.

Serve hot off the grill with butter or Aioli.

I made a wonderful Aioli to serve them with.

Lemon garlic Aioli

3/4 Mayonnaise

1 t. lemon rind

1 T. Lemon juice

2 garlic cloves, minced super fine

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. pepper

Mix all together and let sit in the fridge while the chokes cook.