ya… put the artichoke in some water with lemon (and garlic if you’d like) and cover with plastic wrap. microwave for a few minutes, it depends on the size of the artichoke – i’d say start with 3 minutes and keep checking to see how easily the leaves come out

Steaming is always healthier for you. Yes, it takes about 20 minutes or so – but just start it before you start cooking everything else.

Thanks Zennie but I have done it in the mircrowave, took 5 minutes and it was perfecto! That is steaming though, the steam is just generated in a different fashion, right???

But I have to admit, I am not particularly fond of steamed veggies (except artichokes) I prefer mine stir fried, but I do them in olive oil, that must be good for something.

Chemically, the microwave cooking process is very much like steaming, especially if you wrap something to keep the moisture in. If I were you I would just try increments of time on a plastic-wrapped artichoke (with a vent for steam) until it’s done to your liking, then remember that time.

I ended up doing first 3 minutes and it was not enough (big artichokes!) then 2 minutes more and they were perfect. I don’t use plastic wrap however, I put them in a glass corning wear type bowl with cover (no vent, but it didn’t blow).

All is well, thank you all for your help.

Glass is a great idea. Same results, less danger.