You gotta have heart…artichoke hearts, that is. March 16th is National Artichoke Hearts Day and we are so excited! While we call them vegetables, artichokes are actually flowers that haven’t blossomed yet. If they did, they would be a lovely blue-violet color, but we might never see that because artichokes are way too good to resist.
Deep down in the very center of the artichoke lies the heart, the sweetest and most versatile part of the artichoke. Artichoke hearts are tender, nutty, and when cooked, they become creamy. There is no end to what you can make with these jewels – sauté them, put them in salads or on pizza, add them to sandwiches, make soup out of them, and of course, spinach artichoke dip. Check out 8 Vegan Recipes for Artichoke Lovers.
Artichokes are also healthy and a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, folate and magnesium. High in fiber, calcium, and protein, they are also low in calories cholesterol-free. So let’s celebrate by giving our hearts to these 15 delicious recipes made with artichoke hearts.
1. Hot and Bubbly Spinach and Artichoke Dip
When you need a snack that won’t weigh you or your guests down, try this Hot and Bubbly Spinach and Artichoke Dip. It’s yummy, cheesy, and warm, made with wholesome ingredients like cashews, almond milk, and of course, spinach and artichoke hearts. It comes together about as quickly as it will disappear.
2. ‘Stuffed’ Artichoke Soup in the Slow Cooker
This ‘Stuffed’ Artichoke Soup celebrates all the amazing flavors of stuffed artichokes without any of the hassle it takes to make them. Filled with vegan sausage, cashew cheese, and lots of herbs and spices, this is a simple soup that cooks itself in the slow cooker while you’re at work or snuggled fast asleep in bed.
3. Pasta with Lentils and Artichoke Hearts
Amp up pasta night with this Pasta with Lentils and Artichoke Hearts dish. Cumin, coriander, sea salt, and red pepper flakes create a robust flavor, which is then brightened with a splash of lemon juice. Savory lentils and artichokes bring their own unique flavors and textures, making this hearty dish the perfect dinner.
4. Cheesy Polenta with Creamy Artichoke Pesto
This comforting meal of Cheesy Polenta with Creamy Artichoke Pesto combines all the best things in life: soft polenta, nutty pesto, and tangy artichokes. The pesto is a unique combination of basil, arugula, and artichoke hearts. Mixed into the cheesy polenta, this is a great easy dinner when you just need to sit down to something hearty.
5. Pesto Pappardelle with Artichoke Chickpea Meatballs
This Pesto Pappardelle with Artichoke Chickpea Meatballs has a double dose of artichoke hearts. Light, yet deeply flavored artichoke and chickpea meatballs are served with pappardelle pasta tossed in a homemade pesto packed with fresh herbs and greens. Seared artichoke hearts and chopped fresh tomatoes complete the dish. It looks expensive and fancy, but you’ll have gourmet pasta in no time!
6. Beer Battered Artichoke Hearts
You won’t believe these Beer-Battered Artichoke Hearts are made with only three ingredients … and that you probably already have all of them in your pantry, so you can make these right now! They’re decadent, delicious, and taken to the next level with a creamy dipping sauce. Also,we have to say it again: it’s made with just three ingredients!
7. Spinach and Artichoke Soufflé
This Spinach and Artichoke Soufflé isn’t exactly like a traditional egg-based soufflé, but that’s what makes it so great! Piping hot clouds of “cheesy” tofu and veggies are enclosed in a tender, flaky crust … this soufflé definitely needs to make an appearance on your breakfast table! If you’re running low on time or energy, feel free to use ready-made pie crusts as a shortcut.
8. Ramp and Brazil Nut Pesto with Artichokes on Socca
Spring means ramps are in season and so are artichokes, so it only makes sense to put them together in this Ramp and Brazil Nut Pesto with Artichokes on Socca. The ramps add a touch of heat to the pesto, which is spread on homemade socca with artichoke hearts. This fancy dish is a lovely appetizer, or light lunch.
9. Artichoke and Spinach Risotto with Lemon Cashew Cream
Classic spinach and artichoke dip gets elevated in this Artichoke and Spinach Risotto with Lemon Cashew Cream. You get the same rich, cheesy taste you know and love in a dish that could be served at the fanciest restaurants. The lemon cashew cream makes this risotto extra rich, super creamy, and just bright enough for an easy, yet decadent mid-week lunch.
10. Cheesy Baked Kale Artichoke Dip
This Cheesy Baked Kale Artichoke Dip is a veganized version of the classic spinach and artichoke dip that everyone loves! It’s still just as creamy, cheesy, and totally dip-able, but the nutrition is punched up a bit with the addition of kale. Eat with bread, chips, or your favorite sliced veggies.
11. Artichoke and Shiitake Pasta with Creamy Butternut Squash Tomato Sauce
There’s nothing better than a creamy, luscious pasta dish for lunch or dinner when you’re craving some carb-filled goodness, and this Artichoke and Shiitake Pasta with Creamy Butternut Squash Tomato Sauce is just the thing to satisfy your craving. Filled with butternut squash, hearty shiitake mushrooms, and a thick non-dairy cream to give it body, this dish will fill you up with nutrients, as well as flavor. What are you waiting for? Dig in!
12. Artichoke Sunflower Burgers
These Artichoke Sunflower Burgers are light, tangy, and so delicious. Made with artichoke hearts, brown rice, and sunflower seeds, these burgers will be a hit with everyone. Make a double batch and freeze them so you can have one whenever the craving hits. Believe us, it will happen.
13. Artichoke Chickpea Patties with Cashew Thyme Cream
These Artichoke Chickpea Patties with Cashew Thyme Cream are incredibly easy to make and taste amazing. The homemade cashew thyme cream turns the simple patties into a four-star restaurant dish. These patties would be good with almost anything – guacamole or a tomato salsa or vegan mayo so serve them with a side of sauces and let everyone choose their own.
14. Spinach Artichoke and Mozzarella Tofu Frittata
This Spinach, Artichoke and Mozzarella Tofu Frittata is a lot healthier than it looks. It has no flour, cornstarch, or added oil. Hearty spinach, tangy artichoke hearts, and ooey-gooey vegan mozzarella are all baked inside soft, but firm tofu. This is incredibly easy to make and by the time you make a salad to go with it, it will be done. It’s a perfect dish for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
15. ‘Crab’ Cakes with Green Tartar Sauce
If you liked crab cakes, you’ll love these ‘Crab’ Cakes with Green Tartar Sauce. Made with chickpeas, artichoke hearts, and zucchini, these cakes get the flavor of the sea from kelp flakes, lemon, and dill. Serve with the creamy, homemade avocado tartar sauce
Artichokes are like vegan oysters and the hearts are the pearls inside. With so many ways to cook with artichoke hearts, these little gems have certainly won our hearts. How do you like to eat artichoke hearts? Tell us in the comments.
Lead image source: Pasta with Lentils and Artichoke Hearts
