Lemon Garlic Grilled Artichokes with Easy Aioli

For the artichokes:
3 whole artichokes
1 1/2 lemons
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
cracked black pepper

Fill a large bowl with water. Squeeze the juice from one lemon into the bowl, saving the rind. Halve artichokes and immediately submerge in the water. Bring a 5-quart pot of water to a boil and add in the squeezed lemon rinds. Transfer the artichokes to the boiling water. Boil for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Heat grill on high. Empty the lemon water from the bowl. Add in juice from half a lemon, olive oil, crushed/minced garlic cloves, salt and pepper. When the artichokes are done boiling, drain them and toss them around in the bowl.

Turn the grill down to a medium heat. Add artichokes to the grill. Baste the artichokes with the remaining oil mixture in the bowl. Turn every five minutes until artichokes start to char. Remove from heat. Service with aioli dipping sauce.


For the easy aioli:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lemon
1 scallion, diced (or 1/2 shallot)
1/2 teaspoon salt
cracked black pepper

Mix together all ingredients in a small bowl. Serve with grilled artichokes.


Makes 6 servings.