Best Artichokes Alla Giudia Recipes

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ROMAN-JEWISH FRIED ARTICHOKES (CARCIOFI ALLA GIUDIA) RECIPE



Roman-Jewish Fried Artichokes (Carciofi alla Giudia) Recipe image

Deep-fried artichokes may be one of the best examples of the Roman-Jewish mastery of deep frying techniques. Shatteringly crisp outside, tender within, and as pop-able as potato chips, this is the way we all should usher in spring.

Provided by Daniel Gritzer

Categories     Appetizers and Hors d'Oeuvres     Sides     Snacks

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 4

3 lemons, divided
3 pounds artichokes (about 24 baby artichokes or 6 large artichokes)
1 to 2 quarts of Extra-virgin olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil, for frying
Kosher salt

Steps:

  • Fill a large bowl with water; halve and squeeze 2 lemons into it. Trim artichokes following Roman-Jewish artichoke guidelines shown here : Remove tough dark green outer leaves to expose more tender light-green leaves within, then, using a paring knife, cut off top half of each leaf and trim base and stem. Trimmed artichokes will look like a closed rosebud. Transfer the peeled artichokes to the bowl of lemon water as you work, covering them with a clean kitchen towel to keep them completely submerged.
  • In a large saucepan, heat 2 to 3 inches of oil to 280°F (130°C). Add artichokes (they should produce a steady but non-violent stream of bubbles) and cook until tender (you should be able to pierce their hearts easily with a fork), adjusting heat to maintain a steady bubble, about 10 minutes for baby artichokes and 15 minutes for larger ones. Turn larger artichokes frequently for even cooking.
  • Using a slotted spoon or spider, transfer artichokes to a paper towel-lined plate. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Using your hands, gently pull open each artichoke "bud" so that it resembles an open flower. If using large artichokes, remove and discard the hair "choke" in the center of the artichoke. Increase oil temperature to 350°F (177°C).
  • Fry artichokes until browned and crisp, 2 to 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or spider, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Season immediately with salt. Transfer to plates and serve right away with wedges of remaining lemon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 206 kcal, Carbohydrate 11 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 5 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 255 mg, Sugar 1 g, Fat 18 g, ServingSize Serves 4 to 6 as an appetizer, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

ROMAN-JEWISH STYLE FRIED ARTICHOKES



Roman-Jewish Style Fried Artichokes image

Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-style artichokes) is a classic and delicious dish originating from the Roman-Jewish community in Italy. To make a batch at home, fry up baby artichokes until crisp for a flavorful treat.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Number Of Ingredients 6

8 baby artichokes (about 1 pound)
2 lemons, halved
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, whole
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Parmesan, for shaving

Steps:

  • Pare artichoke bases flat, and remove tough outer leaves, leaving pale-green edible ones. Trim tops off. Rub cut surfaces with lemon half. Work quickly; do not soak in water.
  • Heat 3 tablespoons oil and garlic in saute pan over medium-high heat. Brown artichokes cooking on all sides 2 to 3 minutes. If garlic gets too brown, discard. Stand artichokes on bottoms; cook 1 to 2 minutes, or until tender.
  • Leave pan with oil on stove; transfer artichokes to paper towel to drain upside down until slightly cool. Spread leaves like a flower (scrape out fuzzy choke with melon baller).
  • Season artichokes with salt and pepper; add 3 tablespoons oil to pan; when hot, add enough artichokes to fit comfortably without overlapping, bases facing up. Cook over medium-high heat, pressing leaves down, until brown and crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Keep warm while cooking second batch. Blot well.
  • Salt lightly, and serve hot with shaved Parmesan and lemon wedges.

GENOVESE-STYLE ARTICHOKES



Genovese-Style Artichokes image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1/4 cup
1 pound button or Roman mushrooms, trimmed and chopped (about 4 cups)
1 onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, chopped
4 slices prosciutto (about 2 ounces), chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 fresh artichokes, trimmed and cleaned
2 cups white wine

Steps:

  • In a large, heavy skillet heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently until the mushrooms are tender and the onions are golden. Transfer the mushroom mixture to a medium bowl and let the mixture cool slightly. Add the prosciutto, parsley, Parmesan, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
  • Gently pull apart the leaves of the trimmed artichokes to slightly widen the spaces between the leaves. Stuff the mushroom mixture in the spaces between the artichoke leaves. Place the artichokes in a heavy, high-sided pan so they fit snugly enough to stay upright. Pour the wine and 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pan. Pour the 1/4 cup of olive oil over the top of the artichokes. Place the pan over medium-high heat. Cover the pan and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes, until the artichokes are tender. Remove from the pot and serve immediately.

GRILLED ARTICHOKES WITH PARSLEY AND GARLIC



Grilled Artichokes with Parsley and Garlic image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     appetizer

Time 47m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

6 fresh artichokes
2 lemons halved, plus 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  • Trim the stem from each artichoke to 1-inch long, then bend back and snap off dark outer leaves. Cut top inch of artichokes with serrated knife. Using a vegetable peeler, peel dark green areas from stem and base of artichoke. Quarter each artichoke. Using a small, sharp knife, cut out the choke and remove the purple, prickly tipped leaves from the center of each wedge.
  • Place finished artichokes in a large bowl of cold water and squeeze 2 lemons into the water and stir. Continue with remaining artichokes.
  • Once finished, drain the artichokes and place into boiling water and cook until crisp-tender, about 12 minutes.
  • Drain the cooked artichokes and place onto preheated grill. Cook until tender and lightly charred in spots, turning occasionally, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium sized bowl, add remaining lemon juice (1/3 cup) parsley, garlic and salt and pepper, to taste. Gradually drizzle in olive oil.
  • Toss or drizzle the grill artichokes with the garlic/parsley mixture and serve.

What are Artichokes alla Giudia Recipes?

While there are countless ways to prepare artichokes, one of the most celebrated and iconic dishes is artichokes alla giudia. This Italian-Jewish recipe hails from Rome and literally translates to “Jewish-style artichokes”. The recipe itself is quite simple, yet the preparation can be somewhat labor-intensive. The end result, however, is a mouthwateringly tender and crispy dish that has captured the hearts and palates of foodies around the world.

The History of Artichokes alla Giudia

The roots of artichokes alla giudia can be traced back to the ancient Roman empire. In fact, the artichoke is considered by many to be a symbol of the city of Rome. During the time of the Roman Empire, the Thistle, which is the ancestor of the artichoke, was considered a delicacy and was commonly consumed in small quantities. As the Roman Empire dissolved, persecuted Jews settled in the Roman ghetto, where they adapted to a new cuisine to fit their dietary restrictions. Alongside other culinary innovations, they began to prepare artichokes as a staple dish. Originally, the artichokes were boiled, stuffed with garlic and other herbs or seasoning, and then fried in oil, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. In the early 20th century, Jewish immigrants brought the recipe to America, where it quickly became a popular dish, especially in New York City. It is now frequently served in Italian-Jewish restaurants globally.

How are Artichokes alla Giudia made?

The recipe for artichokes alla giudia is relatively simple, using only a handful of ingredients. However, the exact process of preparing artichokes alla giudia can be a bit intimidating, so it’s essential to pay attention to every step of the process.
Ingredients
  • 4 large artichokes
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon slices (optional)
Instructions
  1. Begin by trimming the artichokes. Start by removing the tough outer leaves and trimming the top inch or so of the remaining leaves. Use a small knife to trim the tougher bits from the stems. Finally, use a spoon to scrape out the choke (the fuzzy bits) from the center of the artichokes.
  2. Once the artichokes are trimmed, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Cook the artichokes until they are just tender, for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Drain them face-down in a colander, allowing any excess water to drain off.
  3. Once the artichokes have drained, open up the leaves, so that they are fanned out. Sprinkle them with a bit of salt and pepper.
  4. In a large frying pan, heat up some olive oil over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add two thinly-sliced garlic cloves and allow them to sizzle for a bit, so that they can release their flavor into the oil.
  5. Place the artichokes face-down in the pan of hot, fragrant olive oil. Press them down with a spatula, so that the leaves are flattened against the pan. Cook them for approximately four to five minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on one side.
  6. Carefully turn the artichokes over and fry the other side for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown, reserve on the serving plate.
  7. Remove the artichokes from the pan and place them onto a plate. Drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Serve with lemon slices to put a tart edge to the artichokes.

The Bottom Line

Artichokes alla giudia are a simple, yet satisfying dish that has stood the test of time. The crispy exterior, paired with the tender heart of the artichoke, gives the dish a balance of textures that is truly irresistible. Whether you’re a foodie looking to expand your culinary horizons or just looking for a delicious and simple side dish, artichokes alla giudia are a must-try.
Artichokes alla giudia is a famous Italian dish that originated in the Jewish Ghetto of Rome. It is a simple yet flavorful dish made with artichokes, garlic, salt, and pepper. The artichokes are first boiled, then flattened and fried until crispy. They are a beloved starter in Rome’s Jewish cuisine and the perfect appetizer to impress guests. Here are some valuable tips that can help you create the perfect artichokes alla giudia recipe.

Choosing the right artichokes

The first step in making this dish is to select the right artichokes. Look for artichokes that are fresh and have tight, compact leaves when closed. The artichokes should be green, without any brown spots on the leaves or discoloration. Avoid artichokes that look dry, old, or have open leaves. Bigger artichokes are better for this recipe because they are easier to handle and have more meaty leaves.

Cleaning the artichokes

Before making artichokes alla giudia, it is essential to clean the artichokes thoroughly. Start by removing any discolored, tough, or brown outer leaves. Cut off the top inch of the artichoke and then trim the stem close to the base. Use a spoon or a melon baller to remove the fuzzy choke in the center of the artichoke. Make sure to rub each cleaned artichoke with half a lemon to prevent oxidation.

Boiling the artichokes

The next step is to boil the artichokes until they are soft. Take a pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the artichokes to the water, making sure they are submerged. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes for the artichokes to boil until they are soft. Test if they are done by pulling out a leaf; it should come out easily. When the artichokes are boiled, remove them from the water and place them upside down on a wire rack to drain any excess water.

Flattening the artichokes

Once the artichokes are drained, it's time to flatten them. Take one boiled artichoke and spread the leaves sideways using your hands. Then, with a firm grip on the base, smack the artichoke against a hard surface such as a cutting board, to help the leaves open up further. Repeat this process for each artichoke. It's an essential step because it enables the artichokes to fry evenly.

Frying the artichokes

The artichokes will now be fried until crispy. Heat a large skillet with enough oil to deep fry, and once hot, add the flattened artichokes upside down in the oil. Fry them in a single layer, without crowding the skillet. After one side is crispy and medium brown in color, flip the artichokes to fry the other side. Use tongs to hold the artichokes, and be careful not to burn yourself. Once both sides are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain.

Seasoning the artichokes

The final step is to season the artichokes. Take a few cloves of garlic and slice them thinly. In a small skillet, sauté the garlic in some oil until it is golden brown in color. Sprinkle the garlic and some salt and pepper on top of the fried artichokes. Serve the artichokes hot with lemon wedges and enjoy!

Tips for success

To ensure your artichokes alla giudia recipe turns out perfectly, here are some additional tips:
Choose the right oil
It's important to use the right oil for frying. The best oil to use is olive oil, but if you want a milder taste, you could use corn or vegetable oil. Make sure to heat the oil to the right temperature, which is about 375℉ (190℃).
Don't skip flattening the artichokes
Flattening the artichokes is a crucial step that should not be skipped. It helps the artichokes cook evenly and ensures they are fried to perfection.
Season to taste
Each artichoke is unique, and the seasonings should be adjusted based on personal preference. You can add some red pepper flakes for a slightly spicier taste, or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Use a light hand
When seasoning the artichokes, remember to use a light hand. Don't add too much salt or pepper, as it could overwhelm the flavor of the artichokes. It's best to season them lightly and adjust as needed.
Serve immediately
Artichokes alla giudia should be served hot and immediately after frying. They lose their crispness if they sit for too long, so it's best to serve them right away.

Conclusion

Artichokes alla giudia is a simple yet flavorful dish that makes an impressive appetizer for any occasion. By following these valuable tips, you can create the perfect artichokes alla giudia recipe that your guests are sure to love. Remember to choose the right artichokes, clean them thoroughly, flatten them, fry them until crispy, season them to taste, and serve them immediately. With a little bit of effort and practice, you can master this delicious Italian dish!

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