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Sicilian Cooking

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Stuffed Artichokes Syracuse Style

( Carciofi Farciti alla Siracusana – Cacocciuli Chini ‘a Siracusana” )

The stuffed artichokes made in Syracuse are similar to those made in Greece except for the use of breadcrumbs in Syracuse and the use of soaked old bread in Greece.
The filling is carefully divided among the artichokes. The onions, the modest amount of garlic and the local olive oil combined produce a delicate aroma and a delicious taste.

  • Serving Size6
  • VegetablesStuffed Artichokes Syracuse Style

    Ingredients

    • 6 artichokes trimmed for stuffing
    • 1 cup of grated Pecorino cheese
    • 1 cup of breadcrumbs
    • ½ cup of chopped parsley
    • 1 garlic cloves, chopped
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • ½ cup of olive oil
    • pepper to taste
    • ½ lemon

    Instructions

    1

    PREPARATION OF THE ARTICHOKES
    When preparing artichokes for cooking, wear utility gloves so you can avoid staining your hands. Prepare a basin with water, acidulated with the juice of a lemon, to soak the artichokes after they are trimmed, to prevent discoloration.
    Wash the artichokes to remove sand, small stone or any foreign object.
    Remove stem and discard hard outer leaves, the first 2 or 3 rows, until the artichoke’s leaves became light in color and usually tender. Trim base and cut off one-third of the petals eliminating the pointy top. 

    Keep the artichokes in the acidulated solution until ready to stuff and cook them.

    2

    THE STUFFING
    Combine all ingredients except the lemon and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix it well and combine with it half of the olive oil.

    3

    THE STUFFED ARTICHOKES
    Bang the trimmed artichokes on the counter or cutting board to loosen the leaves, press them upside down and spread the petals apart so they can be stuffed. 

    Hold each artichoke over the top of the bowl containing the stuffing, sprinkle between the petals, pressing inside the artichoke. Distribute equally any remaining filling to form a cover on top to crown each artichoke.

    4

    THE COOKING
    Place the stuffed artichokes in a pot, close together; fill any empty space with a cup filled with water and/or use aluminum foil as filler. Cover artichokes halfway with cold water and to prevent discoloration, add the lemon after squeezing a few drops of juice to the pot; also add a teaspoon of salt and pour the remaining olive oil on top of each artichoke.
    Bring pot to a boil and simmer for 30/45 minutes. Check often and if needed add some water. Check if salt is needed and add.
    Artichokes are done when pulling a leaf, it comes off easily.
    Spoon the top of each artichoke with some of the cooking liquid remaining in the pot. Serve hot or at room temperature.
    If you want to give an extra zest, sauté a few cloves of sliced garlic and some parsley in three tablespoons of olive oil, drizzle over the artichokes before serving.