Uncle G’s Stuffed Artichokes
Ingredients
For the Blanch:
3 large artichokes
1 lemon whole
6 cloves garlic
1 TBS kosher salt
For the Stuffing:
2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup white wine
½ cup grated Pecorino Romano
¼ cup chopped parsley
3 tbs minced garlic
1 t dried oregano
1 tbs black pepper
1cup carmelized onion (small dice)
1 cup pitted castelvetrano olives (minced)
9 ea. pitted castelvetrano olives(for the “3 olive surprise”)
For the Garnish:
Lemon slices
Chopped parsley
Grated Parmigiano Reggiano
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Directions
1. Prepare an acidified water bath by placing cold water, lemon juice, lemon peels and garlic into a large sauce pot. Set aside.
2. Place artichoke down on its side and cut off top portion. Cut about 1″ from the top. Discard cuttings.
3. Remove stem of artichoke. Discard stem.
4. Remove small bottom leaves from artichoke. Discard leaves.
5. Using scissors, remove the tips of all pointy leaves. Discard tips.
6. Once artichoke is completely cleaned place into acidified water bath. Placing artichoke in this water will prevent oxidation and maintain bright color.
7. Place pot onto stove and bring to a boil. Once water boils lower to simmer, cover and cook for 30-45 minutes. After 30 minutes check for doneness. If leaves pull off easily, they’re done.
8. Using a slotted spoon carefully remove artichokes from water and allow cooking liquid to drain out of artichoke.
9. Carefully remove the center leaves off of the artichoke exposing the “choke”.
10. Using a teaspoon gently remove the “choke” by placing the spoon right underneath where the hairs meet the heart (hairs are considered the “choke”). If cooked properly the “choke” should easily release.
11. Once artichokes have cooled, place 3 olives (“3 olive surprise”) into the center of each artichoke.
12. Next gently open leaves and begin to add stuffing mixture. Hold cleaned artichoke over a large bowl of stuffing and begin to fill the leaves. Working from the outside to the center generously add breading so that all leaves have a little fill.
13. Place stuffed artichokes into a braising pan.
14. Drizzle the top of artichokes with olive oil and place in a preheated 425F oven for 10-15 minutes or until bread crumbs slightly brown.
15. Gently remove artichokes from pan. Garnish with sliced lemon, chopped parsley and grated Parmigiano Reggiano.