An artichoke menu can comprise of all things wondrous and tantalizing. Just the steamed leaf dipped in melted butter tastes so darn good. Imagine the myriad ways you can make this vegetable really stand out. Take a look at some ideas for a really great artichoke menu.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Spinach is considered nutrient dense vegetable because of its excellent source of nutrients Artichokes contain high levels of calcium, minerals, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Artichokes can be combined with almost any type of food to make exceptional dishes. Here we combine together these two healthy vegetables to make a vegan and vegetarian friendly dip -- The spicy spinach and artichoke dip.

Steamed Artichokes

This s a dish even a novice in the kitchen should be able to whip up. Artichokes are bursting with good benefits that provide our body with nutrients to lead a healthy life. Steaming is the most popular form for preparing artichokes. The only ingredients you need to cook this dish are artichokes (duh!) lemon wedges and some salt.  

Cheesy Leek and Artichoke Pizza

Pizzas can get very gourmet. You just need to know how to make them to make food item come off the junk list and enter the gourmet list. This particular dish is fancy enough to appeal to the snobbiest of eaters. Greek inspired pizza made with healthy artichoke leaves and leek, coupled with just the appropriate amount of bacon, and topped with two kinds of cheese. This recipe requires Mozzarella and Parmesan, but just about any cheese can be used; try blue cheese on this pizza for a more European taste. This pie is definitely the star attraction of any artichoke pizza.

Artichoke Lemon Pesto Pasta Sauce

The sauce of this pasta sauce tastes like you spent a small fortune on it at a specialty store. This is a great sauce for pasta and freezing. You can even freeze the leftovers in cube trays for week day meals. The first thing to do is to thaw and chop your artichokes.  You can spread it on warm French bread or pour it over some boiled spaghetti or penne. Either way the taste of this savory sauce will shine through.

Stuffed Artichokes

Chefs will always find ways to stuff food in fruits and veggies. If a produce can be hollowed, they will put food in it. Artichoke is one of those that can be hollowed but it is uncommon only because most people don't know really think of it.  A hollowed artichoke can become a stylish container for many kinds of stuffing.

Hope you enjoyed this great artichoke menu. On a side note, keep away from serving wine if artichokes are included in a meal. Artichokes have a chemical compound that influences perception of taste, which can give wine a over-sugary or sharp taste.

Image credits - ifood.tv