The possibilities with this versatile veggie are endless! Here we will explore 10 of the best pairings to make artichokes shine as the star ingredient in any meal. We will also provide fifteen creative side dish ideas to get your culinary juices flowing. So if you’re looking for new ways to enjoy artichokes, look no further than here!
What Goes Well with Artichokes?
Here are 10 of the best pairings to make artichokes shine:
1. Bread & Other Starchy Foods
Bread and other starchy foods are a classic pairing for artichoke. Whether it’s dipping toasted bread in a creamy artichoke dip or tossing cooked artichokes with pasta, these two ingredients make the perfect pair.
Bread provides the ideal vehicle for scooping up any extra sauce or dip that comes along with an artichoke dish, while pasta adds texture and substance to round out the meal.
Artichokes also get along well with potatoes, polenta, couscous, quinoa and other grains as side dishes – all of which make great accompaniments to any main course featuring this delicious vegetable.
2. Cheese
Cheese and artichoke make the ultimate flavor combination. Fresh, earthy artichoke combined with creamy cheese adds an extra layer of richness.
For a classic Italian approach, try pairing parmesan cheese with artichokes, either grated over steamed artichokes or fried and served as a crunchy appetizer.
For a sharp contrast of flavors, choose goat or feta cheese to go with artichokes for a tasty Mediterranean twist.
An interesting tip is to use equal parts parmesan and blue cheese with your artichoke dip or spread; it adds huge flavor without overwhelming the subtle nuttiness that comes from the artichokes.
3. Butter
A good artichoke dish needs flavor and creamy butter makes the perfect culinary companion. Creamy, unsalted butter can be melted and poured over the artichoke to impart a savory, indulgent flavor.
You can also add herbs or spices like garlic or chives to give it an additional layer of flavor if desired. If you want to get creative with your buttering technique, try cutting it into small cubes, then
Place these cubes evenly spaced throughout the top of your artichoke before baking it in the oven. This will help cook them faster and evenly so they don’t burn while still providing that moisture and flavor that only butter can provide.
Lastly, if you’re looking for an easy way to complement your favorite artichoke recipe, simple melted butter seasoned with sea salt is always a great and classic choice!
4. Vegetables
Vegetables make a great accompaniment to artichokes, as they provide a balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re making a salad or an entrée, adding vegetables can really bring out the best in artichoke dishes.
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, onions and bell peppers are especially delicious when combined with artichokes.
The sweetness of the roasted vegetables pairs perfectly with the nutty earthiness of the artichoke hearts. You can also add raw veggies such as tomatoes or cucumbers for added crunchiness and freshness.
When cooked together with artichokes in one pot, these two ingredients create an amazing flavor combination. For additional nutrition and color, try adding leafy greens like spinach or kale to your dish; their subtle bitterness will pair nicely with any savory flavors from other ingredients.
Finally, don’t forget about mushrooms – they go wonderfully well with any type of vegetable-based recipe featuring artichokes.
5. Herbs & Spices
Herbs and spices are the perfect way to add flavor, texture, and color to any artichoke dish. From classic Italian seasonings like oregano, basil, and parsley to vibrant Mediterranean flavors such as mint or dill; herbs can bring out the best in your artichoke recipe. You can use fresh or dried versions of these herbs depending on what you have on hand.
Spices like garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes or cayenne pepper will give your dish a little kick while still allowing the subtle nutty flavor of artichokes to shine through. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice earthy note that pairs beautifully with this vegetable as well.
Herbs and spices are also great for adding an extra layer of complexity when making dips or spreads featuring artichokes – try combining them with cheese for even more deliciousness.
Finally, don’t forget about citrus zest; it adds brightness and acidity which helps balance out any richness from cream-based sauces or cheeses used in recipes featuring this versatile vegetable.
6. Meats
Meat and artichokes are a match made in heaven. The savory richness of meats like bacon, sausage, or ham can bring out the best in artichoke dishes. Whether you’re making an entrée or just looking for something to add some extra flavor to your favorite recipe, adding meat is always a great way to go.
For instance, crumbled bacon makes an excellent topping for salads featuring artichoke hearts. You can also use diced salami or prosciutto as a tasty addition to any pasta dish involving this vegetable.
Ground beef is another classic choice that goes especially well with cooked artichokes – try combining it with tomatoes and herbs for an Italian-inspired ragu that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Finally, don’t forget about chicken; its mild flavor pairs nicely with the subtle nutty taste of this versatile ingredient.
7. Eggs
Eggs are a great way to add flavor, texture, and nutrition to any artichoke dish. Whether you’re making an omelette or frittata, scrambled eggs make a delicious accompaniment to artichokes. Eggs provide the perfect balance of protein and fat that helps bring out the subtle nutty flavors of this vegetable in any recipe.
Eggs can also be used as a binding agent when making more complex dishes featuring artichoke hearts such as quiches or savory tarts. Their creamy texture adds richness while their mild flavor allows all other ingredients to shine through without overpowering them.
Plus, eggs pair well with many other ingredients commonly found in artichoke recipes such as cheese, herbs & spices, vegetables and meats – so they make for an incredibly versatile ingredient that can help turn your favorite dish into something truly special.
8. Seafood
Seafood is an excellent way to add flavor and texture to any artichoke dish. From classic pairings like salmon and shrimp to more unique combinations such as scallops or clams, seafood can bring out the best in this versatile vegetable.
The subtle sweetness of seafood pairs nicely with the nutty flavors of artichokes for a delicious combination that will have your taste buds singing. Plus, its high protein content makes it a great addition to any meal featuring this ingredient.
And since most types of seafood cook quickly, you won’t need to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen – just throw some shrimp or fish into your favorite recipe for added flavor and nutrition in no time at all!
You can even use canned tuna if you want something super easy but still tasty. Just make sure to drain off the excess liquid before adding it into your dish for maximum flavor impact!
9. Condiments
Condiments can be an excellent way to add flavor and texture to any artichoke dish. From classic pairings like mayonnaise or mustard to more unique combinations such as pesto or aioli, condiments can bring out the best in this versatile vegetable.
The creamy texture of many condiments pairs nicely with the nutty flavors of artichokes for a delicious combination that will have your taste buds singing. In addition, their high-fat content makes them a great addition to any meal featuring this ingredient.
And since most types of condiments are easy to prepare and store, you won’t need to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen – just grab whatever you need from the fridge for added flavor and nutrition in no time at all. You can even use low-fat versions if you want something healthier but still tasty.
10. Nuts & Seeds
Nuts and seeds provide a wonderfully crunchy texture and flavor contrast to the delicate-flavored artichoke. Toasted almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, sunflower or pumpkin seeds bring out the nutty flavors in the vegetable while adding creamy richness without additional fat.
For added flavor, consider tossing nuts and seeds with herbs like thyme and oregano before using them as a topping. Beyond all of this, you can also experiment by pan-frying slices of almonds to rub onto artichokes for an interesting finish.
Whatever nuts and seeds you choose, their earthy flavors pair nicely with artichoke
Side Serving Ideas
If you’re looking for some side dish ideas to enhance your artichoke experience, here are a few suggestions that go well with this delicious vegetable.
- Steamed artichokes with lemon butter dipping sauce
- Grilled artichokes with garlic and herb aioli
- Spinach and artichoke dip with pita chips
- Artichoke and roasted red pepper bruschetta
- Artichoke and goat cheese tart
- Artichoke and asparagus quiche
- Grilled chicken with artichoke and caper sauce
- Grilled fish with artichoke and tomato salsa
- Artichoke and sun-dried tomato pasta salad
- Artichoke and feta stuffed mushrooms
- Artichoke and prosciutto crostini
- Artichoke and spinach stuffed chicken breast
- Artichoke and fontina panini
- Artichoke and mushroom risotto
- Artichoke and white bean hummus with pita chips
- Artichoke and potato gratin
- Artichoke and pesto pizza
- Artichoke and roasted garlic dip with crudites
- Artichoke and bacon quiche
- Artichoke and roasted tomato flatbread
- Artichoke and parmesan stuffed zucchini
- Artichoke and ricotta stuffed shells
- Artichoke and spinach stuffed portobello mushrooms
- Artichoke and olive tapenade crostini
- Artichoke and pepperoni pizza
- Artichoke and sun-dried tomato crostini
- Artichoke and goat cheese frittata
- Artichoke and ham quiche
- Artichoke and salami pizza
- Artichoke and roasted red pepper pasta.
Conclusion
Artichoke is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a wide range of dishes. From simple roasted vegetables to complex dips and spreads, artichokes can bring a unique nutty flavor and crunch to any dish.
For more deliciousness, don’t forget about herbs and spices, meats, eggs, seafood and condiments. And finally, don’t forget about side dishes – there are plenty of recipes that feature artichokes as the star of the show.
No matter how you cook it, artichokes are sure to make any meal complete. So, go ahead and get creative in the kitchen and let your tastebuds enjoy all the deliciousness that artichokes have to offer!
