An elegant member of the Aster family, artichokes are low in calories, a good source of vitamins and minerals, and replete with nutrients that ease digestion and lower cholesterol. Look for firm, heavy, medium-size artichokes. To test for freshness, squeeze the artichoke and listen for a squeaky sound. To prepare artichokes, follow these step-by-step instructions. 

Here, artichokes are steamed then grilled, and paired with a zesty tomato compote.

After they simmer with shallots, garlic, black pepper, red-pepper flakes, fresh thyme, and parsley, baby artichokes are paired with tender, blanched fava beans.

Enjoy the tasty, unexpected flavors of this recipe immediately, or allow the dip to mellow overnight.

The meaty artichoke hearts provide a nice balance to the light and creamy ricotta cheese. Take premade dough out of the fridge a few hours before you plan on using it to let it rise.

Perfectly steamed artichokes can be served alone, with dipping sauces, or atop pizza or pasta. 

The Swiss chard in this pasta dish is the perfect economical veggie: You can eat both the leaves and the stems.

The whole-wheat pasta in this recipe has almost twice the amount of fiber of traditional semolina pasta.

A healthful dip can bring flavor and nutrition to the table. Fiber-rich artichokes are the base of this vegetable-cheese mix -- and its "chips."

Tiny clams also work beautifully in this version of the classic French dish.

Chicken provides a great source of protein, while the tapenade adds healthy fats. Artichoke hearts and tomato bring fiber to the dish. The whole-wheat wrap offers a better carb choice than a white wrap.