Step 1

Grate 1 teaspoon lemon zest into a small bowl. Cut the lemon in half.

Step 2

Using a sharp knife, cut off the top ½ inch of each artichoke. Remove the small, tough outer layer(s) of leaves from the stem end and snip any spiky tips from the rest of the outer leaves using kitchen shears. Trim ½ to 1 inch from the stem end. Peel the stem if fibrous. Rub the whole artichoke, especially the cut portions, with the cut lemon halves to prevent the artichoke from turning brown too quickly.

Step 3

Place the artichokes in a microwave-safe container and add water. Cover and microwave on High until tender, about 8 minutes.

Step 4

Meanwhile, mix mayonnaise, basil, garlic and pepper into the zest. Serve the artichokes with the aioli.