Sicilian-style stuffed artichokes or “carciofi ripieni alla siciliana” are a delicious and quick dish to prepare.
These artichokes are stuffed with Italian spices, ham and Caciocavallo Siciliano cheese, and then cooked until the heart and the crumbs are tender.
This simple recipe is made with few ingredients and is perfect for enhancing the flavor of the artichokes.
The stuffed artichokes can be served hot, warm, or even cold and can be enjoyed as a vegetarian appetiser or as a side dish alongside steak, chicken, or seafood.
Alternatively, they can be considered a complete vegetarian meal when paired with vegetables or cheese.
Include this recipe for Sicilian-style stuffed artichokes in your dinner party, holiday, or special occasion menu!
Yields and Prep Times
- Serves: 4
- Prepare time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Nutritional values per serving of Sicilian-style stuffed artichokes
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Proteins: 6 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
Ingredients
- 8 artichokes
- 1 lemon
- 100 g of cooked ham
- 50 g of fresh caciocavallo cheese
- 1 egg
- 50 g of grated semi-matured caciocavallo cheese
- extra virgin olive oil
- a bunch of parsley
- vegetable broth
- salt black pepper
How to prepare Sicilian-style stuffed artichokes
- To prepare Sicilian-style stuffed artichokes, first remove the stems and pound the artichokes on the tips on a hard surface, so as to slightly widen the leaves.
- Then remove the pointed tips with the spines and remove all the tough leaves, making sure the artichokes remain standing upright. If not, level the stem part.
- Widen the leaves again and with the help of a spoon, remove the inner beard. Then, immerse them in water and lemon juice.
- In a bowl, put the chopped cooked ham together with diced caciocavallo cheese, then mix with the egg yolk, grated caciocavallo cheese, oil, parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Rinse the artichokes and let them drain. Then, slightly widen the leaves and, using a spoon, place the filling inside, then cover with more fresh caciocavallo cheese.
- Now put the artichokes in a pressure cooker, pouring vegetable broth to cover the base (about 3-4 cm), drizzle with a little oil, close the pot and, as soon as it whistles, lower the flame and let cook for about fifteen minutes.
- When the artichokes are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them cool.
- Finally, serve the Sicilian-style stuffed artichokes and enjoy.
Wine pairing
To enhance the flavors of your Sicilian-style stuffed artichokes, consider pairing them with a glass of Contea di Sclafani Rosso Novello.
This wine, with its intense ruby color and violet reflections, anticipates a rich tasting experience.
Its fine and pleasant aroma readies the palate for the flavors of the stuffed artichokes, while the harmonious and structured taste of the wine beautifully complements the dish’s complexity.
Serve the wine at an ideal temperature between 16°C and 18°C (60°F) in balloon glasses after a brief decantation to maximize the experience.
How to Store Sicilian-style stuffed artichokes
Sicilian-style stuffed artichokes are a delicious dish worth storing properly to enjoy on subsequent days. Here are some helpful storage guidelines:
- Refrigeration: After preparation, let the stuffed artichokes cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Make sure to remove excess air to prevent oxidation.
- Storage Time: Stuffed artichokes can be refrigerated for a maximum of 2-3 days. During this period, they maintain their freshness and flavor.
- Freezing (optional): If you wish to store stuffed artichokes for a longer period, you can consider freezing them. Before doing so, ensure the artichokes are completely cooled in the refrigerator. Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and then freeze them. They can be kept in the freezer for approximately 2-3 months. When you want to consume them, thaw them slowly in the refrigerator to preserve their texture.
- Heating: To reheat Sicilian-style stuffed artichokes, you can use a conventional oven or a microwave. In the oven, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and heat them at 150-160°C for about 15-20 minutes. In the microwave, cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap and heat them at medium power in 1-2 minute intervals until they are hot.
- Taste Check: It’s important to note that stuffed artichokes may undergo a slight change in texture during storage and reheating. However, their authentic flavor will remain unchanged.
Always remember to pay attention to storage conditions to ensure your Sicilian-style stuffed artichokes maintain their freshness and culinary delight.
Your Culinary Adventure with Ricette di Sicilia: Sicilian-style stuffed artichokes
In every bite of these Sicilian-style stuffed artichokes, there’s an explosion of authentic flavors that capture the essence of Sicilian cuisine.
This traditional recipe is a tribute to taste, with simple ingredients that come together magically to create a dish that will envelop you in a culinary embrace.
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