Brighten up your artichoke

As a dietitian I can think of so many ways to eat any healthy foods - as long as you eat them. But not all of these ways are evenly successful for the general public.

Artichokes are one of these foods. Yes, it is perfectly fine to eat them just as is - with a bit of oil, vinegar, lemon juice and pepper. But there are multiple other ways to work them in with other dishes if you're not too excited about their flavour on their own.

Some ways to have your artichokes:

1. Plain with a bit of seasoning

2. Prepare over the fire at the braai (barbeque)

3. Roasted in the oven with other roasted vegetables

4. On a pizza (this one might convince you most!)

5. In a dip or hummus (see the recipe that follows)

6. Artichoke in a pie

7. Artichoke in a soup (e.g. with mushrooms, leeks, asparagus)

8. Serve chilled in a salad

9. Mix them in your pasta

10. Eat them with seafood

Here is my improvised recipe for an artichoke hummus with a kick:

Artichoke hummus

1/2 can chickpeas

2 Tbsp white vinegar

2 Tbsp lemon juice

1 Tbsp canola/ olive oil

1 tsp parsley (dried)

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp rosemary (dried)

1/2 tsp turmeric

10 pitted olives (black or green - I used black)

1 artichoke heart (you're welcome to add more for a stronger flavour)

Mix it all together and voila - you have a great tasting hummus!