Nevada Desert Grilled Artichokes with Lemon Garlic Dip

Introduction

Unleash the bold flavors of the Southwest with these Nevada Desert Grilled Artichokes, fresh from the flame of the Arteflame grill. Halved artichokes brushed in rich, melted butter and flame-grilled to tender perfection — all served with a zesty garlic lemon dipping sauce. This dish is a showstopper appetizer or side that truly captures the flavor of outdoor cooking, and it's all cooked right on the flat cooktop and grill grate of the Arteflame — no pots, pans, or lids required.

Ingredients

• 4 large artichokes
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Place 3 paper napkins in the center of your Arteflame grill.
2. Pour vegetable oil over the napkins until lightly soaked.
3. Stack dry firewood over the napkins in a teepee shape.
4. Light the napkins and let the fire heat the grill. Start grilling in 20 minutes once the cooktop is hot.

Step 2: Prep the Artichokes

1. Trim the stems and top inch of each artichoke, then snip the tips of sharp outer leaves.
2. Slice each artichoke in half vertically and remove the fuzzy center choke using a spoon.
3. Brush the entire surface (especially the cut side) with melted butter. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Grill the Artichokes

1. Place artichoke halves face down near the center of the flat top cooktop, where it’s hottest but not on the grill grate.
2. Grill each side for about 8-10 minutes, moving them to slightly cooler zones if needed until leaves are well charred and flesh is fork-tender.
3. Optional: Lightly press the cut side onto the center grill grate for a final sear to boost that smoky flavor.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Lemon Dipping Sauce

1. In a small heatproof bowl (metal or grill-safe), stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice and zest.
2. Place the bowl on the outer edge of the cooktop to gently warm through for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer grilled artichokes to a platter.
2. Drizzle with more melted butter and garnish with parsley if desired.
3. Serve with the lemon garlic dipping sauce on the side.

Tips

• Use melted butter instead of olive oil for a richer, indulgent flavor and beautifully even browning.
• Grill the artichokes cut-side-down first to lock in those delicious juices.
• Don’t overcrowd the cooktop — keep space between halves for even grilling.
• Grill over the medium-hot zone, adjusting position as needed to prevent burning.
• If prepping in advance, steam the artichokes the day before and refrigerate. Then grill directly from chilled!

Variations

1. Spicy Southwest Artichokes: Add chili flakes and smoked paprika to the melted butter before brushing for bold desert heat.
2. Herb-Lovers Delight: Mix chopped thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the butter before grilling for fragrant botanicals.
3. Parmesan Crusted: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on the cut side during the last minute of grill time for a crispy, cheesy finish.
4. Mediterranean Twist: Serve with a dipping sauce made from Greek yogurt, lemon, dill, and crushed garlic.
5. Asian Fusion: Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic for a different style of dipping sauce and brush the chokes with sesame butter.

Best pairings

• Grilled ribeye or porterhouse steak (reverse seared on Arteflame)
• Chilled Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc
• Grilled lemon-garlic shrimp skewers
• A bright quinoa salad with herbs and feta
• Airy sourdough flatbread warm off the cooktop

Conclusion

These Nevada Desert Grilled Artichokes bring out the best of open-fire grilling with minimal prep and maximal flavor. Thanks to the Arteflame grill’s wide cooktop and heat zones, you can expertly cook them to smoky, slightly crispy perfection. Serve them up as a stunning side dish or plant-based main that feels decadent and refreshing all at once.