Grilled Artichokes

Description
This golden, nature-hungry recipe has a vegetarian secret: artichokes. But this rich vegetable side dish is made and mixed with balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, and ginger, as it delivers a soothing aroma that it relishes. Chili oil and hot sauce often work for this for drizzling, too.

Ingredients

 * 4 large artichokes
 * ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
 * ¼ cup water
 * ¼ cup soy sauce, light
 * ¼ cup olive oil
 * 1 tablespoon minced ginger
 * chili oil, optional
 * hot sauce, optional

Directions

 * 1) Slice artichoke tops off, crosswise. Trim stems.
 * 2) Boil or steam artichokes until bottoms pierce easily, or a petal pulls off easily.
 * 3) Drain artichokes. Cool. Cut each artichoke in half lengthwise and scrape out fuzzy center and any purple tipped petals.
 * 4) Mix remaining ingredients in a large plastic bag. Place artichokes in the bag and coat all sides of the artichokes. For best flavor, marinate in the mixture overnight in the refrigerator but should marinate at least one hour.
 * 5) Drain artichokes. Place cut side down on a grill over a solid bed of medium coals or gas grill on medium. Grill until lightly browned on the cut side, 5 to 7 minutes.
 * 6) Turn artichokes over and drizzle some of the remaining marinade over the artichokes. Grill until petal tips are lightly charred, 3 to 4 minutes more. Serve hot or at room temperature. Drizzle with the chili oil and/or hot sauce, if desired.