Stuffed Artichokes: A Delicious and Impressive Recipe
Are you looking for a unique and flavorful dish to impress your friends and family? Look no further than this stuffed artichoke recipe! This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, yet yields a stunning and incredibly tasty result. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner that feels celebratory, these stuffed artichokes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
What You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings, depending on the size of your artichokes.
Ingredients:
- 4 large artichokes
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Preparing the Artichokes:
This is the most time-consuming part of the recipe, but don't worry, it's easier than you think!
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Clean the artichokes: First, trim the stems of the artichokes, leaving about 1 inch. Remove the tough outer leaves until you reach the pale green tender ones. Cut off the top 1 inch of the artichoke, creating a flat surface.
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Prepare for stuffing: Using a spoon, gently scrape out the fuzzy choke (the hairy part) from the center of the artichoke.
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Season: Drizzle the artichokes generously with olive oil and lemon juice, ensuring they are well-coated.
Making the Stuffing:
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Combine ingredients: In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Stuff the artichokes: Spoon the stuffing mixture into the center of each prepared artichoke.
Cooking the Stuffed Artichokes:
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Steam or bake: You can either steam or bake the stuffed artichokes. Steaming: Place the artichokes in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for 45-60 minutes, or until the leaves are tender. Baking: Place the stuffed artichokes in a baking dish, add about 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the dish, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until tender. Add more water if necessary to prevent sticking.
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Optional feta addition: During the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the optional feta cheese over the top if desired.
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Serve: Once cooked, let the artichokes cool slightly before serving. Enjoy pulling off the leaves and dipping them in the delicious stuffing!
Tips and Variations:
- Add protein: For a heartier dish, add cooked sausage, ground meat, or shrimp to the stuffing mixture.
- Experiment with herbs: Feel free to use other herbs you enjoy, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a little heat.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the artichokes and stuffing ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
This stuffed artichoke recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. The combination of tender artichoke hearts and flavorful stuffing is simply irresistible. Enjoy!
