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Grilled Baby Artichokes with Caper-Mint Sauce

These grilled baby artichokes with caper-mint sauce offer a sophisticated start to any Mediterranean-inspired meal. Grilling the artichokes after a light parboil coaxes out their natural sweetness, adding a smoky char that contrasts beautifully with the salty, punchy flavours of the dressing. The combination of fresh mint, acidic lemon and savoury anchovies creates a vibrant relish that elevates this seasonal vegetable into something truly special.

As a heart-healthy choice, this dish is rich in antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated fats from the extra-virgin olive oil. It is an excellent option for those looking for a lighter, nutrient-dense appetiser that does not compromise on bold flavour. Serve these warm as a stylish starter or as part of a vegetable antipasti platter alongside crusty sourdough and a crisp white wine.

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Ingredients for Grilled Baby Artichokes with Caper-Mint Sauce

  • 120ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 6 flat anchovy fillets, drained, patted dry, and minced

  • 40ml drained capers, rinsed and finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup finely chopped mint

  • 1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 12 baby artichokes (3 1/2 by 2 inches

  • see cook's note, below

  • 230g total)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

How to make Grilled Baby Artichokes with Caper-Mint Sauce

Stir together all sauce ingredients with pepper to taste. Trim and cook artichokes: Combine 1 qt cold water and lemon juice in a large bowl. Working with 1 artichoke at a time, bend back outer leaves until they snap off close to base and discard several more layers of leaves in same manner until exposed leaves are pale green at top and pale yellow at base. Trim pointed tips of leaves with kitchen shears, then cut a thin slice from end of stem to expose a fresh cross section. Trim dark green fibrous parts from base and stem of artichoke, being careful not to break off stem. Halve artichoke lengthwise. Remove fuzzy centre and any pointed inner leaves. Put in bowl of lemon water.

Drain artichokes, then cook in a large pot of boiling salted water (1 tablespoon salt for 5 qt water) until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well.

Prepare a grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (medium-high heat for gas).

Toss artichokes with oil in a bowl. Oil grill rack, then grill artichokes, cut sides down, covered only if using a gas grill, turning once, until golden brown in spots, 6 to 8 minutes. Serve drizzled with sauce.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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