This is a very popular dish in France. Artichokes are steamed or boiled in salted water and simply served with a home-made vinaigrette. Prepared this way, you get to really enjoy their flavour. A delicious dish and so easy to prepare. When you get to the heart of the artichoke, remove the hair and fill the cavity with vinaigrette... it's like finding treasure after a long quest.
Note that the cooking time depends on the size of the artichokes. The artichokes are cooked when the leaves come off easily.