Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Cardoon Bake: An Elegant Sicilian Classic
Prepare this refined Sicilian cardoon bake, made with tender cardoons, pecorino and a touch of nutmeg — elegant, comforting and full of flavour!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 500 g cardoons
- ✓ 100 g grated Sicilian pecorino PDO
- ✓ 4 eggs
- ✓ 50 g butter
- ✓ 50 g plain flour
- ✓ 500 ml milk
- ✓ Nutmeg, to taste
- ✓ Salt, to taste
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
This Sicilian cardoon bake is an elegant and timeless dish that brings together tender cardoons, a silky béchamel and the bold flavour of pecorino. Creamy, aromatic and deeply satisfying, it works beautifully as a vegetarian main or as an elevated side dish. It’s the perfect example of how Sicilian home cooking transforms humble ingredients into something truly special.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Clean the cardoons by removing the tough outer leaves and fibrous parts. Cut into pieces and boil in salted water for 15–20 minutes. Drain and allow to cool.
- 2
In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the flour, whisking until you obtain a pale golden roux.
- 3
Pour in the milk gradually, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens into a smooth béchamel.
- 4
Remove from the heat, add the grated pecorino and stir until fully melted.
- 5
Add the cardoons and mix well, then incorporate the beaten eggs along with nutmeg, salt and pepper.
- 6
Pour the mixture into a buttered and floured baking dish, smoothing the surface.
- 7
Bake in a preheated static oven at 180°C for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden.
- 8
Rest for 10 minutes before serving so it sets perfectly.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a richer texture, add a dash of cream to the béchamel. You can also replace pecorino with caciocavallo for a milder flavour. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the flour for rice flour.
📦 Storage
- • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- • Reheat in the oven at 160°C for 10 minutes, or in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep it soft.
🍷 Pairing
Pair this cardoon bake with a glass of Delia Nivolelli Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva — a full-bodied Sicilian red that balances the creaminess of the dish beautifully.
With its delicate texture and comforting flavours, this Sicilian cardoon bake celebrates the island’s rural traditions. A simple yet refined dish that turns everyday ingredients into something truly memorable — perfect for the colder months.
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