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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Traditional Sicilian stewed artichokes in a pan

Sicilian Stewed Artichokes - A Simple Country Classic

Discover this rustic Sicilian favourite: tender stewed artichokes infused with garlic, parsley and olive oil - simple, comforting and full of Mediterranean charm.

⏱️
Prep Time
15 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
40 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Easy
💰 Low
🗓️ Spring
4.8/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 8 medium artichokes
  • A handful of fresh parsley
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
120 kcal
Protein
3 g
Fat
10 g
Carbohydrates
8 g
Fiber
5 g
Sugars
1 g
Sodium
200 mg

Known affectionately in Sicily as â viddanedda - “the peasant style” - these Sicilian Stewed Artichokes capture everything that makes the island’s rustic cooking so irresistible. Born from the fertile fields of Niscemi and Cerda, this humble recipe is a celebration of freshness, simplicity and family tradition.

Imagine a warm spring day, artichokes at their seasonal peak, gently softening in a pan with garlic, parsley and a generous glug of good olive oil. The aroma alone feels like a return to long, unhurried lunches around the family table. The artichokes become tender and aromatic, their natural sweetness lifted by herbs and pepper.

Served as a light main or a generous side, this dish is the essence of Sicilian home cooking - honest, comforting and impossibly satisfying.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Wash the artichokes thoroughly and remove the tougher outer leaves.

  2. 2

    Trim the spiky tops and gently tap each artichoke on the work surface to help the leaves open.

  3. 3

    Stand the artichokes upright in a large pan.

  4. 4

    Finely chop the garlic and parsley, then sprinkle the mixture over the artichokes.

  5. 5

    Season with salt and pepper, then pour in enough extra-virgin olive oil to dress them generously.

  6. 6

    Add a glass of water to the pan, cover with a lid and cook over a medium–low heat until the artichokes are tender.

  7. 7

    After around 40 minutes, serve the artichokes hot.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a richer version, grate a little pecorino over the artichokes before serving. If you enjoy stronger flavours, add a handful of pitted black olives to the pan during cooking.

📦 Storage

  • Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 160°C for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Avoid freezing to maintain the best texture.

🍷 Pairing

These tender stewed artichokes pair beautifully with a glass of Etna Rosato, whose bright, full-bodied profile enhances the dish’s earthy and floral notes.

Thank you for discovering this cherished Sicilian classic. I hope these stewed artichokes - simple, comforting and full of rustic charm - find their way to your table and into the memories you share with loved ones.

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