Carciofi Fritti (Fried Artichokes) Recipe Guide

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Carciofi Fritti

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Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Lemon juice or vinegar for soaking

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 4 medium artichokes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko for extra crunch, or gluten-free breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

 

• Method
• Step 1: Prepare the Artichokes
• Trim the Artichokes: Start by trimming the stems of the artichokes. Remove the tough outer leaves until you reach the tender, pale inner leaves.
• Cut and Soak: Cut the artichokes in half lengthwise and remove the fuzzy choke with a spoon. Immediately place the halves in a bowl of cold water mixed with lemon juice to prevent browning. Let them soak for about 5 minutes.
• Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
• Breading Preparation: In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs mixed with salt and pepper.
• Step 3: Bread the Artichokes
• Coat the Artichokes: Remove the artichokes from the water and pat them dry. Dip each half into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are well-coated.
• Step 4: Fry the Artichokes
• Heat the Oil: In a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of olive oil over medium heat until hot (around 350°F or 175°C).
• Fry the Artichokes: Carefully add the breaded artichokes cut-side down into the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and fry for another 3-4 minutes.
• Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried artichokes and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle with salt while they’re still hot.
• Step 5: Serve
• Garnish and Serve: Serve the carciofi fritti warm with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful bites!
• Variations
• Herbed Breadcrumbs: Add dried herbs such as oregano, basil, or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Mix some chili flakes into the breadcrumbs for a spicy kick.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute eggs with a mixture of ground flaxseed and water (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg).

Carciofi fritti, or fried artichokes, are a delicious Italian delicacy that captures the essence of simplicity and flavor. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they make for a perfect appetizer or side dish. From my own personal experience, these crispy artichokes can elevate any meal, and they’re a fantastic way to showcase the unique flavor of artichokes. Let me show you how I make this delightful dish.

Notes on What to Expect

When making carciofi fritti, expect a delightful crunch with a tender, flavorful interior. The process might seem a bit involved, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it’s quite straightforward and rewarding.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: Around $10-$12 (depending on location and seasonality)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Appetizer/Side Dish

Equipment Needed

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Lemon juice or vinegar for soaking
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Carciofi Fritti  here.

Ingredients

• 4 medium artichokes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch, or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Carciofi Fritti  here.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Artichokes

1. Trim the Artichokes: Start by trimming the stems of the artichokes. Remove the tough outer leaves until you reach the tender, pale inner leaves.
2. Cut and Soak: Cut the artichokes in half lengthwise and remove the fuzzy choke with a spoon. Immediately place the halves in a bowl of cold water mixed with lemon juice to prevent browning. Let them soak for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

3. Breading Preparation: In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs mixed with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Artichokes

4. Coat the Artichokes: Remove the artichokes from the water and pat them dry. Dip each half into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are well-coated.

Step 4: Fry the Artichokes

5. Heat the Oil: In a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of olive oil over medium heat until hot (around 350°F or 175°C).
6. Fry the Artichokes: Carefully add the breaded artichokes cut-side down into the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and fry for another 3-4 minutes.
7. Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried artichokes and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle with salt while they’re still hot.

Step 5: Serve

8. Garnish and Serve: Serve the carciofi fritti warm with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful bites!

Variations

• Herbed Breadcrumbs: Add dried herbs such as oregano, basil, or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Mix some chili flakes into the breadcrumbs for a spicy kick.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute eggs with a mixture of ground flaxseed and water (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Carciofi Fritti  here.

Tips and Substitutions

• Fresh Artichokes: Always choose fresh, firm artichokes for the best results. Frozen artichokes can be used, but the texture may vary.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for crispy results.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 4g

I hope this guide has made making carciofi fritti seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below; I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!