Savor Italian Flavors with Easy Steamed Artichokes

To start, grab your artichoke and kitchen shears. Carefully snip off the thorny tips of the artichoke leaves. This step is not just about aesthetics; it makes the artichoke more approachable and easier to handle as you savor it later. Imagine each leaf as a petal you're gently preparing to reveal its beauty and flavors. It's a simple touch that elevates the experience, ensuring each bite is enjoyable, not prickly.

Now, let's infuse our artichoke with flavor. Take the sliced garlic cloves and tuck them between the artichoke leaves. Spread them around to distribute the garlic's aroma and taste evenly as the artichoke steams. This step introduces a subtle, yet distinct flavor to every leaf. Imagine the steam carrying the garlic's fragrance into each part of the artichoke, ensuring that no bite is left untouched by its savory essence.

Place your prepared artichoke in a medium-sized saucepan. Add enough water to come halfway up the sides of the artichoke. This method ensures that the artichoke steams beautifully, becoming tender without becoming waterlogged. Add the bay leaf to the water, imparting its subtle, aromatic flavor to both the water and steam. Finally, sprinkle the crushed coriander seeds, oregano, and basil atop the artichoke. These spices not just flavor the artichoke but fill your kitchen with a Mediterranean aroma. Steam over medium heat for about 30 minutes. You'll know it's perfectly cooked when the leaves pull away easily, revealing a soft, flavorful heart that's been steeped in herbs and spices.