Basic Boiled Artichokes

Directions

1. 1
   Select a kettle or pot large enough to hold all the artichokes you are cooking.
2. 2
   Half fill it with water and set it over high heat to boil.
3. 3
   Meanwhile, trim the artichokes.
4. 4
   Rinse the artichokes, slice the stem off flush with the base so the artichokes will stand level.
5. 5
   Rub the cut areas with lemon.
6. 6
   Slice off the top inch of each artichoke and rub the cut area with lemon.
7. 7
   Using kitchen shears snip off the top half inch of each leaf.
8. 8
   Place the artichokes base side down in the boiling water, lower heat to simmer and weight the tops of the artichokes with a dish or pot lid that fits into the pot to keep the artichokes submerged.
9. 9
   Simmer the artichokes until the base can easily be pierced with a knife point, 20 to 40 minutes.
10. 10
    Remove the artichokes from the water and turn upside-down in a collander to drain.