March 16 – National Artichoke Day

March 16 is National Artichoke Day!

March 16th is a day to celebrate one of the most unique vegetables out there: the artichoke. National Artichoke Day invites us to indulge in this vegetable’s fascinating history and various culinary applications. From ancient civilizations to modern day cuisine, artichokes have played a significant role in culinary culture across the globe.

Artichokes can be steamed, roasted, grilled or baked. They make an excellent addition to salads, pasta and pizzas. Moreover, they are packed with vitamins and minerals that help support a healthy diet. Whether you enjoy it stuffed, sautéed or boiled, be sure to celebrate National Artichoke Day and honor this delicious and versatile vegetable.

HISTORY OF THE ARTICHOKE

The artichoke origins can be traced back to the Mediterranean region, where it has been cultivated since ancient times. The ancient Greeks and Romans prized the artichoke for its unique flavor and medicinal properties. In fact, the first known mention of the artichoke dates back to the 4th century BC, when the Greek philosopher Aristotle praised it for its health benefits. Throughout history, the artichoke has been valued not only as a food but also as a symbol of fertility, abundance, and prosperity.

TEN QUICK AND EASY ARTICHOKE RECIPE IDEAS

Grilled Artichokes with Lemon Garlic Aioli:
- Halve fresh artichokes and grill until tender.
- Serve with a zesty aioli made with garlic, lemon juice, and mayo.
Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Breast:
- Combine chopped artichokes with spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan.
- Stuff the mixture into chicken breasts and bake until golden.
Artichoke and Feta Dip:
- Blend artichoke hearts, feta cheese, garlic, and Greek yogurt.
- Bake until bubbly and serve with pita chips or veggies.
Lemon Butter Artichoke Pasta:
- Toss cooked pasta with artichoke hearts, sautéed garlic, lemon zest, and butter.
- Top with grated Parmesan for a quick and flavorful dish.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Artichokes:
- Mix cooked quinoa with chopped artichokes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta.
- Dress with olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing salad.
Artichoke and Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pizza:
- Spread a thin layer of artichoke and sun-dried tomato pesto on pizza dough.
- Top with mozzarella and bake until bubbly and golden.
Artichoke and Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms:
- Combine artichoke hearts, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
- Stuff mushroom caps and bake until mushrooms are tender.
Artichoke and White Bean Hummus:
- Blend artichoke hearts, white beans, garlic, and tahini for a unique hummus.
- Serve with pita bread or fresh veggies.
Lemon Herb Grilled Artichokes:
- Marinate artichoke halves in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs.
- Grill until charred and serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Creamy Artichoke and Spinach Risotto:
- Stir chopped artichokes and spinach into a creamy risotto during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Finish with Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.

HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL ARTICHOKE DAY

Indulge in the savory celebration of National Artichoke Day with our collection of 10 delicious and quick artichoke recipes! From grilled artichokes with lemon garlic aioli to creamy artichoke and spinach risotto, discover flavorful dishes that celebrate the versatility of this delectable vegetable. Join us in honoring National Artichoke Day by adding a touch of culinary creativity to your menu and savoring the unique taste of artichokes in delightful, quick-to-make recipes.