Carciofi alla Romana Recipe Guide

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Carciofi alla Romana

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Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed: Sharp knife, bowl of water with lemon, large saucepan with lid, chopping board, spoon, paring knife

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 4 large artichokes preferably Romanesco variety, if available
• 1 lemon halved (for preventing browning)
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup water

Instructions

 

• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Step 1: Prepare the Artichokes
• Trim the Artichokes: Begin by pulling off the tough outer leaves until you reach the more tender inner leaves.
• Trim the Stem: Leave about 1 inch of the stem. Peel away the tough outer layer of the stem with a paring knife.
• Prepare the Hearts: Cut about 1 inch off the top of each artichoke, then scoop out the fuzzy choke in the center with a spoon (if your artichokes are large and mature).
• Prevent Browning: Rub the artichokes with lemon halves and immediately place them in a bowl of water with lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Step 2: Season the Artichokes
• Make the Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine parsley, mint, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Stuff the Artichokes: Using your fingers, gently open the leaves of each artichoke and stuff the herb mixture into the center and between the leaves. This infuses the artichokes with wonderful flavors as they cook.
• Step 3: Braise the Artichokes
• Arrange in the Pan: Place the artichokes stem-side up in a large saucepan that can hold them snugly in a single layer.
• Add Olive Oil and Water: Drizzle the olive oil over the artichokes, then add ½ cup of water to the pan.
• Cover and Cook: Cover the saucepan with a lid and simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the artichokes are tender when pierced with a fork. (From my own personal experience, I find that keeping the heat low helps to soften the artichokes without overcooking them.)
• Step 4: Serve
• Rest the Artichokes: Allow them to stand for 5 minutes before serving.
• Plate: Serve warm or at room temperature, with a drizzle of the remaining cooking liquid for extra flavor.
• Variations and Tips
• Variation with Breadcrumbs: Add a few tablespoons of breadcrumbs to the herb mixture for a slightly crunchy texture.
• Vegan Option: The recipe is naturally vegan, so no modifications are needed.
• Low-Sodium: To reduce sodium, use less salt in the herb mixture and add more fresh herbs for flavor.
• Tip for Choosing Artichokes: Look for fresh, tightly closed artichokes, as they are less likely to have tough outer leaves.

Carciofi alla Romana, or Roman-style artichokes, is a beautiful Italian dish that brings out the delicate, earthy flavor of fresh artichokes. This dish, typical of Roman cuisine, involves slowly braising artichokes with herbs and olive oil, resulting in a tender, flavorful side or appetizer. Let me show you how I make Carciofi alla Romana with this beginner-friendly, step-by-step guide.

From my own personal experience, this recipe is simpler than it might seem at first glance, especially if you prepare your ingredients and take your time with each step. Ready to impress with this Italian classic? Let me jump in.

Notes on What to Expect

Carciofi alla Romana has a unique, delicate flavor with subtle notes from the fresh mint and parsley. The braising process makes the artichokes tender and easy to eat, while the infused olive oil adds richness to each bite. You’ll notice a delicious herb aroma as the artichokes cook. Expect soft, flavorful hearts with a melt-in-your-mouth texture perfect as a light appetizer or a side dish.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes (cooling)
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Beginner-friendly
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~150 calories per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
• Cuisine: Italian (Roman)
• Course: Side Dish or Appetizer
• Equipment Needed: Sharp knife, bowl of water with lemon, large saucepan with lid, chopping board, spoon, paring knife
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory   #Carciofi alla Romana  here.

Ingredients

• 4 large artichokes (preferably Romanesco variety, if available)
• 1 lemon, halved (for preventing browning)
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup water
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory   #Carciofi alla Romana  here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Artichokes

1. Trim the Artichokes: Begin by pulling off the tough outer leaves until you reach the more tender inner leaves.
2. Trim the Stem: Leave about 1 inch of the stem. Peel away the tough outer layer of the stem with a paring knife.
3. Prepare the Hearts: Cut about 1 inch off the top of each artichoke, then scoop out the fuzzy choke in the center with a spoon (if your artichokes are large and mature).
4. Prevent Browning: Rub the artichokes with lemon halves and immediately place them in a bowl of water with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 2: Season the Artichokes

1. Make the Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine parsley, mint, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Stuff the Artichokes: Using your fingers, gently open the leaves of each artichoke and stuff the herb mixture into the center and between the leaves. This infuses the artichokes with wonderful flavors as they cook.

Step 3: Braise the Artichokes

1. Arrange in the Pan: Place the artichokes stem-side up in a large saucepan that can hold them snugly in a single layer.
2. Add Olive Oil and Water: Drizzle the olive oil over the artichokes, then add ½ cup of water to the pan.
3. Cover and Cook: Cover the saucepan with a lid and simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the artichokes are tender when pierced with a fork. (From my own personal experience, I find that keeping the heat low helps to soften the artichokes without overcooking them.)

Step 4: Serve

1. Rest the Artichokes: Allow them to stand for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Plate: Serve warm or at room temperature, with a drizzle of the remaining cooking liquid for extra flavor.

Variations and Tips

• Variation with Breadcrumbs: Add a few tablespoons of breadcrumbs to the herb mixture for a slightly crunchy texture.
• Vegan Option: The recipe is naturally vegan, so no modifications are needed.
• Low-Sodium: To reduce sodium, use less salt in the herb mixture and add more fresh herbs for flavor.
• Tip for Choosing Artichokes: Look for fresh, tightly closed artichokes, as they are less likely to have tough outer leaves.
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory   #Carciofi alla Romana  here.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 2g

Closing Prompt

I hope this guide has made preparing Carciofi alla Romana feel a little less daunting. Have you tried making this classic Roman dish before, or did this guide inspire you to give it a go? Please be honest and let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear your feedback, so leave your thoughts I’m here for any questions or tips you might need!