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 and 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.
 * 5) For the best flavor, marinate in the mixture overnight in the refrigerator but marinate at least one hour.
 * 6) Drain artichokes. Place each cut, side down, on a grill over a solid bed of medium coals or a gas grill on medium. Grill until lightly browned on the cut side, 5 to 7 minutes.
 * 7) 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.
 * 8) Serve hot or at room temperature. Drizzle with the chili oil and/or hot sauce, if desired.