Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sicilian Fire-Roasted Artichokes - A Taste of Springtime Tradition
Discover these rustic Sicilian fire-roasted artichokes - fragrant with herbs, lemon and smoke, perfect for laid-back spring gatherings and outdoor cooking.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 12 medium artichokes
- ✓ 3 garlic cloves
- ✓ Fresh parsley
- ✓ Fresh mint
- ✓ Extra-virgin olive oil
- ✓ Salt
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
There are few aromas as evocative of a Sicilian springtime picnic as fire-roasted artichokes - known in the local dialect as carcoccioli arrustuti. It’s a dish deeply woven into the island’s countryside traditions, celebrated during festive outings on Easter Monday, Liberation Day or the first warm weekends of May.
As the artichokes roast slowly over hot coals, their outer leaves crisp and char, while the hearts soften and soak up the fragrance of garlic, parsley and fresh mint. The result is gloriously rustic: smoky on the outside, tender at the centre, and seasoned simply with olive oil, herbs and salt.
This is food meant to be eaten with your hands, still warm from the grill, perhaps while standing beside the fire with friends and family. It captures that uniquely Sicilian blend of spontaneity, conviviality and reverence for fresh seasonal produce.
Best enjoyed in spring, when artichokes are at their sweetest, these roasted beauties offer a sensory journey into Sicily’s beloved food traditions - one charred leaf at a time.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Trim the tops of the artichokes and gently tap them on a hard surface to help the leaves open like a flower.
- 2
Prepare a mixture of finely chopped garlic, parsley, mint, salt and pepper.
- 3
Tuck the herb mixture between the leaves of each artichoke.
- 4
Place the artichokes directly over hot coals and drizzle with a little extra-virgin olive oil.
- 5
Roast until the outer leaves are charred and the inner heart is tender.
- 6
Serve the artichokes hot.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a richer flavour, slip a few shavings of pecorino between the leaves before roasting. If you prefer a touch of heat, add a pinch of chilli flakes to the herb mixture.
📦 Storage
- • Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- • Cooked artichokes may be frozen for up to 1 month.
- • Reheat in the oven at 160°C for 10 minutes before serving.
🍷 Pairing
Pair these smoky roasted artichokes with a glass of Faro, a delicate, dry Sicilian red wine served lightly decanted at 16–18°C.
Thank you for exploring these traditional Sicilian fire-roasted artichokes. I hope this recipe inspires you to plan a spring picnic or a relaxed outdoor cook-up with loved ones. Enjoy every charred, aromatic bite!
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