Old Fashioned Italian Stuffed Artichokes are such a comforting, flavorful dish! Tender artichokes filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic, and cheese—perfect as an appetizer or side.
Here’s a traditional recipe to bring those delicious flavors to your table.
🌿 Old Fashioned Italian Stuffed Artichokes
🍽️ Serves: 4
⏱️ Time: 1 hour
📝 Ingredients:
- 4 large globe artichokes
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ lemon (juice and zest)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth (for cooking)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Prepare the artichokes:
- Trim the artichoke stems so they can stand upright.
- Cut off the tough top 1 inch of the artichokes and snip the sharp leaf tips with kitchen scissors.
- Spread the leaves gently to loosen them a bit.
- Rub the cut surfaces with lemon to prevent browning.
2. Make the stuffing:
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in about ¼ cup olive oil to moisten the mixture.
3. Stuff the artichokes:
- Carefully spoon the breadcrumb mixture between the leaves and into the center of each artichoke, packing it lightly but firmly.
4. Cook:
- Place the stuffed artichokes upright in a large pot.
- Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and squeeze lemon juice over the top.
- Pour broth into the pot to reach about 1 inch up the sides of the artichokes.
- Cover and simmer gently over low heat for 40-50 minutes, or until the artichokes are tender when pierced with a knife. Add more broth if needed.
5. Serve:
- Drizzle with a little more olive oil and extra Parmesan if you like.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a starter or side.
💡 Tips:
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture.
- Feel free to add chopped anchovies or capers to the stuffing for extra umami.
- Leftover stuffing can be toasted and used as a crunchy salad topping!