Name: Grilled Artichoke Hearts with Lemon Zest
Ingredients: Artichoke Hearts: (1 pound, canned or jarred in water, drained and patted dry) – The heart of the dish, providing a tender and slightly nutty base that perfectly absorbs the smoky grill flavor and lemon zest. Using canned or jarred hearts simplifies preparation significantly.; Extra Virgin Olive Oil: (1/4 cup) – Essential for flavor and preventing the artichoke hearts from sticking to the grill. Olive oil also helps to carry the lemon zest and herbs, creating a flavorful coating.; Fresh Lemon: (1 large, zest and juice) – The bright, citrusy zest and juice of lemon are key to cutting through the richness of the olive oil and adding a refreshing zing to the grilled artichoke hearts.; Garlic: (2 cloves, minced) – Adds a savory depth to the marinade, complementing the lemon and artichokes beautifully. Minced garlic infuses its flavor throughout the dish.; Fresh Parsley: (2 tablespoons, chopped) – Provides a fresh, herbaceous note that enhances the overall flavor profile. Parsley also adds a touch of color to the finished dish.; Dried Oregano: (1 teaspoon) – Adds a warm, slightly peppery, and aromatic element, often associated with Mediterranean cuisine, which pairs perfectly with artichokes and lemon.; Salt: (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste) – Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and balances the acidity of the lemon.; Black Pepper: (1/4 teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste) – Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor, complementing the other seasonings. Freshly ground pepper is recommended for the best flavor.

Ingredients

Artichoke Hearts: (1 pound, canned or jarred in water, drained and patted dry) – The heart of the dish, providing a tender and slightly nutty base that perfectly absorbs the smoky grill flavor and lemon zest. Using canned or jarred hearts simplifies preparation significantly.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: (1/4 cup) – Essential for flavor and preventing the artichoke hearts from sticking to the grill. Olive oil also helps to carry the lemon zest and herbs, creating a flavorful coating.
Fresh Lemon: (1 large, zest and juice) – The bright, citrusy zest and juice of lemon are key to cutting through the richness of the olive oil and adding a refreshing zing to the grilled artichoke hearts.
Garlic: (2 cloves, minced) – Adds a savory depth to the marinade, complementing the lemon and artichokes beautifully. Minced garlic infuses its flavor throughout the dish.
Fresh Parsley: (2 tablespoons, chopped) – Provides a fresh, herbaceous note that enhances the overall flavor profile. Parsley also adds a touch of color to the finished dish.
Dried Oregano: (1 teaspoon) – Adds a warm, slightly peppery, and aromatic element, often associated with Mediterranean cuisine, which pairs perfectly with artichokes and lemon.
Salt: (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste) – Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and balances the acidity of the lemon.
Black Pepper: (1/4 teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste) – Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor, complementing the other seasonings. Freshly ground pepper is recommended for the best flavor.

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This vibrant marinade will infuse the artichoke hearts with incredible flavor as they grill. Ensure all ingredients are well combined for a balanced taste.
Marinate the Artichoke Hearts: Add the drained and patted dry artichoke hearts to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss to ensure that each artichoke heart is thoroughly coated in the flavorful mixture. Allow the artichoke hearts to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or for up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Marinating allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more delicious final product. If marinating in the refrigerator, bring them back to room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Medium heat is ideal for grilling artichoke hearts as it allows them to cook through without burning on the outside. If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are covered in white ash and the heat is moderate. For gas grills, preheat with the lid closed for about 10-15 minutes.
Grill the Artichoke Hearts: Carefully place the marinated artichoke hearts directly onto the preheated grill grates in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the grill, as this can lower the temperature and steam the artichokes instead of grilling them properly. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely marked with grill lines and slightly charred around the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, especially if your grill tends to get very hot. The goal is to get a beautiful char and warm them through without drying them out.
Serve Immediately: Once the artichoke hearts are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve immediately while they are still warm and flavorful. The aroma of grilled artichokes with lemon zest is incredibly enticing, and they are best enjoyed fresh off the grill. You can garnish with extra fresh parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest for added visual appeal and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 150
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg