Artichokes are the thistle flower bud of a species of thistle plant that is part of the sunflower family.
Artichokes are most likely native to the Mediterranean region but are now cultivated worldwide.
They’re known for their green color and thorny appearance, with edible parts consisting of the flower’s stamen clustered at its base and the fleshy base of the petals known as the “heart”.
In terms of flavor, artichokes are similar to fresh asparagus and have a slightly bitter taste due to their inulin content.
Artichokes also contain antioxidants such as caffeic acid and flavonoids, which may be beneficial for heart health.
Some of the most common dishes using artichokes are stuffed artichokes, which are prepared by removing the leaves and pressing cooked meat or vegetables between them.
Artichoke hearts are also used in salads, sandwiches, pizzas, etc.
Since they’re mostly water content more than anything else, they require cooking before eating.
In this article, we will list 7 of the most common side dishes that go good with artichokes every time.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Artichokes?
First of all, artichokes are pretty healthy since they are chock full of antioxidants that can improve heart health.
Secondly, they’re one of the most versatile vegetables out there when preparing different side dishes.
This is what makes them a favorite for many chefs worldwide.
Another reason why you should consider serving side dishes for artichokes because it enhances the flavor of the meat or other food that you put inside its center during cooking.
This means that no matter what dish you’re making, having artichoke as a side dish will inevitably result in a well-rounded and flavorful outcome every single time.
The final reason you should consider serving side dishes for artichokes is that there are so many different flavors out there.
This means that you can always experiment with other side dishes until you find which ones suit your personal taste best.
What to Serve with Artichokes – 7 BEST Side Dishes
Since artichokes are so versatile, they can be used in more than one way.
This means that you have plenty of choices when it comes to choosing what kind of side dishes you want to serve with them.
Some of the most popular side dishes for artichokes are listed below:
1 – Mashed Potatoes
One of the most popular side dishes to serve with artichokes is mashed potatoes.
This is because it tastes so good, especially when you add a little bit of cheddar cheese and milk into the mixture.
Mashed potatoes are also easy to make and only require a few ingredients before they’re ready for cooking.
Potatoes can be boiled or steamed, with the latter way resulting in a much healthier dish.
Some people like to add garlic and salt into their mashed potatoes for extra flavor; however, this is optional, and you can always experiment with different spices until you find one that suits your taste best.
2 – Rice
Another popular side dish for artichokes is rice.
This is because it works well with the sauce that comes served on top of the artichoke – creating a delicious yet healthy combination.
There are many different types of rice available, including long-grain white rice, brown rice, and wild rice.
You can either boil or steam them according to your personal preference.
Alternatively, you can also make fried rice by adding eggs, soy sauce, carrots, and peas into the mixture.
3 – Marinated Pork Tenderloin
Another typical side dish for artichokes is marinated pork tenderloin.
This is because the meat’s texture works well with the soft and ‘mushy’ texture of boiled or steamed artichokes, making it a simple yet delicious combination to try.
A lot of people don’t realize this but marinating pork tenderloin is easy to do.
You need to add a bit of olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper into the mixture before leaving it in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
This will ensure that the pork tenderloin absorbs as much flavor as possible from the marinade, making it taste great regardless of whether it’s served with artichokes or on its own.
4 – Dipping Sauces
Besides serving artichokes with a side dish, you can also use them as a dipping sauce.
The sauce at the bottom of boiled or steamed artichokes is exceptionally delicious and only requires a bit of salt to enhance its flavor.
Some famous dipping sauces include sour cream, mayonnaise, and ketchup.
Various types of dips can be used with artichokes.
This includes guacamole and salsa, which both go well with different kinds of Mexican food.
Sour cream is also popularly used to dip pretty much any fried side dish into it before eating – resulting in a simple yet delicious mixture.
5 – Asparagus
If you’re looking for healthy side dishes for artichokes, then asparagus is the way to go.
This is because it’s packed full of powerful nutrients – including antioxidants, folate, and vitamin C.
It also has the benefit of being ridiculously easy to make.
Place your desired number of asparagus spears onto a baking tray and place them in the oven for 10-25 minutes.
This will result in deliciously soft asparagus that has a wonderful crunch to it – giving your digestive system a little boost while you achieve a fantastic taste sensation.
6 – Bruschetta
Bruschetta is another really popular choice when it comes to side dishes for artichokes.
This is because it has a similar taste to salsa; however, the texture is entirely different, making it much more enjoyable to eat.
You can choose how many slices of bread you want to use to make your bruschetta.
The most common number of slices used are between 1-3, with the most common being 2 – which can be eaten either as a side dish or as a snack.
If you have leftover bruschetta, then it’s recommended that you place it in an airtight container and store it in your fridge for up to three days.
7 – Cheese (Parmesan, Feta)
Cheese is a trendy choice when it comes to side dishes for artichokes.
This is because many people love having cheese as an appetizer before their main meal, and you can use the inside sauce from the artichoke as a dipping sauce for your cheese.
Parmesan is the most common type of cheese used when it comes to artichokes.
This is because Parmesan has a sharp taste, which enhances the flavor of the inside sauce found in boiled or steamed artichokes – making it perfect for dipping your cheese into.
However, you can use pretty much any cheese that you want.
This includes feta – which is another popular choice since it has a robust taste to it.
Feta is usually served crumbled onto the plate with your boiled or steamed artichoke, making it great for dipping into the inside sauce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are so many different side dishes that can be used to compliment your artichoke.
This ranges from healthy options, fast & easy meal ideas, all the way to delicious recipes that require a little bit more effort – which is great when you’re looking for something new to try.
Rest assured that the options mentioned in the article above will inspire you when it comes to what to serve with artichokes.
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What to Serve with Artichokes? 7 BEST Side Dishes
Ingredients
- Mashed Potatoes
- Rice
- Marinated Pork Tenderloin
- Dipping Sauces
- Asparagus
- Bruschetta
- Cheese Parmesan, Feta
Instructions
- Choose your favorite recipe from the list of options.
- Organize all required ingredients and prepare a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less!