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What’s The Perfect Substitute For Artichoke Hearts?

Thankfully, there are several tasty substitutes for artichoke hearts that can save the day.

Are you short on artichoke hearts but need a nutritious substitute? If so, there are various choices that will create a terrific side dish while still delivering nutrition and taste.

Artichoke hearts’ earthy, bitter flavor compliments many recipes. They include heart-healthy vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Artichoke hearts are the most sought ingredient for salads, spaghetti, and pizza. They’re not always in season or simple to obtain at the grocery store.

If you can’t wait, try these artichoke heart replacements!

What's The Perfect Substitute For Artichoke Hearts featured image | Girl Meets Food

What are artichoke hearts?

The globe artichoke, a Mediterranean flowering plant, is harvested for its delicious center. Artichoke hearts are bitter and fibrous when they are uncooked and slightly lemony and nutty when prepared.

When the stiff outer leaves have been removed from an artichoke, the heart is often cooked or roasted until it’s soft. Salads, pasta, pizzas, and other foods all benefit from having artichokes added to them.

The time and energy required to harvest artichoke hearts drive up their price. In spite of this, they have a wonderful flavor and are loaded with nutrients including fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Substitute for artichoke hearts

Artichoke hearts are in a green colander | Girl Meets Food

It’s not always easy to get your hands on artichoke hearts, despite their widespread culinary use. Here are some alternatives to artichoke hearts to try:

  • Canned artichoke hearts

Several recipes use canned artichoke hearts. They taste like fresh artichoke hearts but are handier because they are cooked.

Canned artichoke hearts have a somewhat softer texture than fresh ones, so they may not be ideal for dishes that require a firmer texture.

Are canned artichoke hearts good for you though? They’re lower in calories and fat than fresh artichoke hearts but still provide many of the same health benefits.

  • Jerusalem artichoke

Jerusalem artichokes, or sunchokes, are root vegetables. They can be cooked in the same way as artichoke hearts and their flavor is similar, although slightly sweeter.

If you’re looking for a vegetable that tastes like artichoke, sunchokes are one of the best options!

They can be used interchangeably in many recipes so artichoke hearts are a good Jerusalem artichoke substitute.

  • Hearts of palm

Hearts of palm are the soft, interior part of the palm tree. They’re a lot like artichoke hearts in texture, and their somewhat sweet mild flavor works nicely with many sorts of foods.

I really enjoyed using canned hearts of palm for a pasta recipe that called for artichokes. It tasted amazing paired with lemon, olive oil, black olives and arugula.

  • Roasted red peppers

Because of their similar texture and flavor profile, roasted red peppers can work as artichoke substitutes on pizzas and sandwiches. You can get them canned or already roasted.

It’s vital to remove the skin and discard the seeds before using them in a dish.

I loved making a panini with roasted red peppers when I ran out of artichoke hearts. They won’t replace the original ingredient 1:1, but they’re still useful to have on hand.

  • Bamboo shoots

Bamboo shoots have a mild, somewhat sweet taste like artichoke hearts, although they are crunchier and more fibrous. Bamboo shoots are also utilized in Asian recipes, thus they may not be the ideal choice for Mediterranean meals.

  • Chickpeas

Garbanzo beans, often known as chickpeas, are a terrific food item thanks to their versatility and pleasant, nutty flavor.

Those who want to replace artichoke in dips can try hummus, which is made from pureed chickpeas.

I was expecting something very different from my first taste of artichoke dip, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much it resembled hummus. The tangy and silky dip was finger-licking good!

  • Zucchini

Thinly slicing the vegetable and then sautéing it brings out a mild taste that may be utilized in a variety of cuisines.

Grilled or roasted zucchini has a smokey taste that’s similar to artichokes. To me, this flavor best evokes the image of roasted artichokes.

  • Asparagus

Its somewhat bitter flavor and artichoke-like texture make asparagus a versatile addition to a variety of dishes. Recipes calling for artichoke hearts can be adapted to use steamed or roasted asparagus instead.

There are recipes where one of these veggies can be substituted for the other. In light of this, I have included artichokes in a list of asparagus alternatives.

  • Green Beans

In a variety of recipes calling for artichoke hearts, green beans can be substituted instead. They complement salads, stir-fries, and casseroles with their delicate texture and somewhat sweet flavor.

These green vegetables take on a smokey flavor when roasted or grilled, like the flavor of roasted artichokes.

  • Fennel

Fennel is a bulb vegetable that tastes like anise but has a crunchier texture. Salads, spaghetti, and roasted vegetable medleys are just some of the meals where it may stand in for artichoke hearts.

Fennel may be easily prepared by slicing it thin and then sautéing it until it’s soft and has taken on a caramelized flavor.

  • Tofu

High-protein tofu may replace artichoke hearts in salads, casseroles and dips. Because of its firm, chewy texture and subtly nutty flavor, it pairs well with many foods.

From my experience, tofu can make a good stand-in in pasta dishes and vegan artichoke dips. It doesn’t provide much taste on its own but absorbs the flavors around it.

Substitute for artichokes FAQs

An artichoke heart and two halves are on a wooden surface | Girl Meets Food
Can I use pickled artichoke hearts instead of regular artichoke hearts?

Yes, you can use pickled artichoke hearts as a substitute for regular artichoke hearts. They will taste and feel somewhat different, so keep that in mind.

Are artichoke hearts good for you?

Artichokes are high in fiber, which helps improve digestion and intestinal health. The antioxidants – vitamin C, lutein and quercetin – may provide protection from cancer and other chronic disorders.

Moreover, artichoke hearts are a good source of magnesium and potassium, both of which contribute to healthy bones.

Are artichokes in a jar healthy?

Canned or jarred artichoke hearts are a handy way to eat this veggie. Even though they taste good, canned artichokes might not have the same nutritional value as fresh ones.

The nutritional content of artichokes may be compromised by the salt and preservatives added during processing and storage.

Which substitute for artichoke hearts has the most similar flavor to artichokes?

Jerusalem artichokes (also known as sunchokes) have the most similar flavor to artichoke hearts.

Are there any non-vegetable artichoke alternatives?

Tofu is a non-vegetable substitute for artichoke hearts. It’s a product made from curdled soy milk.

Are frozen artichoke hearts a good substitute for fresh ones?

Yes, frozen artichoke hearts are a good substitute for fresh ones. However, you should be aware that they may have a slightly different texture and flavor.

What is a good substitute for Jerusalem artichoke?

Potatoes and artichoke hearts are good substitutes for Jerusalem artichokes.

What can I use as an artichoke heart substitute in dips?

Roasted red peppers, hearts of palm and chickpeas are good artichoke hearts substitutes in dips.

Can fruits be used as a replacement for artichoke hearts?

No, fruits can’t be used as a replacement for artichoke hearts. 

BOTTOM LINE: vegetables similar to artichoke hearts are hearts of palm, sunchokes, roasted red peppers, bamboo shoots, chickpeas and more. Your substitution of choice should reflect your desired taste, texture and overall meal concept.

What’s your ideal substitute for artichoke hearts? Share your favorite ideas in the comment.

Looking for more substitute ideas for your favorite recipes? Learn how to replace bell pepper, substitute for olives, swap out mung beans, find alternatives for persimmons and even find Delicata squash alternatives!

Also, check out these articles if you’re curious about a vegan lifestyle: