Artichokes Au Gratin
Carciofi Gratinati ~ A baked version of artichokes topped with a cheese flavored crumb crust. A delicious side dish for any roasted or grilled meat dish. This artichoke recipe shows how you don’t need complicated ingredients when preparing artichokes, and often the simpler the dish, the better.
I love vegetables of all types, but if I had to choose my favorite, definitely the artichoke would be up there in the top three. Artichokes have an amazing complex flavor, different from any other vegetable.
In Italy there are three principal varieties of artichokes cultivated, which do not seem to resemble the larger, sturdy, commercial grown varieties we have available here in the States in any way. While living in Italy, one of my favorite memories of spring was being in Venice and tasting my first tiny, purple spring carciofi or artichoke. I believe I often schedule my return vacations in Italy in the spring just so I can savor these tender specialties again.
Italians cook artichokes in almost every conceivable way, including braising, stuffing, stewing, frying, broiling, and grilling to name a few. I am hoping that by explaining how to clean and prepare this misunderstood vegetable, perhaps I can get more people to try making them at home.
Despite the fact that fresh, inexpensive artichokes are difficult for me to find in North America, as soon as I see them in our stores in the spring here in Italy, I buy them by the bag full. There are certain qualities you need to look for when buying artichokes though. Look for tight, compact leaves, no wrinkling, and few brownish blemishes.
Choose smaller, rather than the larger artichokes (unless you are planning on stuffing them) and those that feel heavier in your hands rather than light. The smaller variety generally has more edible leaves, and less prickly chokes. It is said if you rub two artichokes together and they squeak, then they are fresh.
Buon Appetito!
Deborah Mele
Artichokes au Gratin
A baked version of artichokes topped with a cheese flavored crumb crust.
Ingredients
- 8 Medium Artichokes
- 3 Tablespoons of Chopped Fresh Parsley
- 2 Garlic Cloves Minced
- Salt & Pepper
- 6 Tablespoons Olive Oil, Divided
- 2 Tablespoons White Wine
- 5 Tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 ½ Cups Fresh Bread Crumbs Made From Day Old Italian Bread
- 1 Lemon
Instructions
- Clean the artichokes by removing the tough outer leaves and stem, then cut in half.
- Cut off about 1/3 from the top, and remove the prickly choke from inside.
- Place the cleaned artichoke immediately in a bowl of water with a little lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
- Fill a pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
- Cook the artichokes for 3 to 4 minutes, then drain immediately and cool to room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and oil an 8 inch oven casserole dish or pie plate.
- Cut the blanched artichokes into slices, then line your prepared casserole with the slices, overlapping so they fit in a single layer.
- Spread the garlic and parsley over the artichokes.
- Add salt and pepper and drizzle with 3 tbs. of the oil and the wine.
- Cover with foil, and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the artichokes are fork tender.
- Remove the cover, and then top with a mixture of the remaining oil, cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake an additional 10 minutes uncovered, or until tender and golden brown.
- Serve hot or at room temperature with a drizzle of lemon.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 artichokeAmount Per Serving: Calories: 265Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 402mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 8gSugar: 3gProtein: 8g
