Fresh steamed artichokes are a delight in hot weather. I love tearing off the leaves and pulling them through my teeth. Like eating corn-on-the-cob, but without those awful strings. Add a simple dipping sauce, and artichokes become the main event. Easy and fun summer dinner food. What could be better?
Once you have artichokes on the menu, all you need are a few other items for a complete dinner. For example, how about a big salad and gazpacho, watermelon or classic?
Or how about a simple tomato salad and homemade spatchcocked chicken? If you’re not up for making chicken, how about picking up a roasted one from a grocery store or takeout?
Into fancier and more complicated dinners? Then consider adding artichokes with dipping sauce to grilled salmon, green beans and “special” rice. Or how about salmon cakes and salad with roasted vegetables?
However you roll, give artichokes a chance and they’ll win you over.
If you don’t know much about fresh artichokes or how to steam and eat them them, check out this post by Elise Bauer of Simply Recipes. Add a simple dipping sauce and you’re all set.
The key ingredients are sour cream (or mayonnaise or yogurt, or a combination) and flavoring. I prefer a vinaigrette dressing with additional lemon juice and fresh herbs.
After making this dipping sauce, I decided to see what ingredients experts believe go with artichokes. So I consulted one of my favorite food reference books, The Flavor Bible. That book lists olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard (the primary ingredients in the vinaigrette), along with thyme – as major flavor affinities for artichokes. Nice confirmation of my choices.
The Flavor Bible also recommends garlic and mint with artichokes. Think tzatziki without the cucumber. That sounds like a good alternative to me and I will definitely try it one day soon.
One Step Dipping Sauce for Artichokes
The process for making this simple dipping sauce is easy. Just mix the ingredients together – and poof, you’re done!
Simple Dipping Sauce for Fresh Artichokes
A super easy dipping sauce that turns fresh artichokes into a delicious and fun main dish.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sour cream, yogurt, or mayonnaise, or a combination
- 1+ tablespoon vinaigrette dressing
- 1+ teaspoon Fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
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Mix all of the ingredients. Taste and decide if you want to add more of any ingredient. Refrigerate if not using immediately.
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