1. **Prepare the Artichoke:** Start by rinsing the artichoke under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim off the stem so the artichoke can sit flat. If desired, you can also trim the top of the artichoke with a sharp knife to remove the sharp thorns.
2. **Steam or Boil:** There are two common methods for cooking artichokes: steaming or boiling.
- Steaming: Place the artichoke in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 25-45 minutes, depending on the size of the artichoke, until the outer leaves can be easily pulled off and the base is tender.
- Boiling: Alternatively, you can boil the artichoke in a pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 25-45 minutes until tender.
3. **Test for Doneness:** To check if the artichoke is done, insert a fork or knife into the base of the artichoke. If it goes in easily, the artichoke is cooked.
4. **Drain and Cool:** Once the artichoke is cooked, remove it from the pot or steamer and drain off any excess water. Let the artichoke cool slightly before serving.
5. **Serve:** To eat the artichoke, pull off the outer leaves one at a time, dipping the base of each leaf in melted butter, aioli, or another dipping sauce if desired. Once you reach the tender inner leaves, you can use a spoon to scrape out the fuzzy choke. The heart of the artichoke, along with the tender base of the leaves, is the most prized part and can be eaten with a knife and fork.
Enjoy your deliciously cooked artichoke!