Artichoke Bottoms Filled With Spinach

🌱🍽️ Artichoke Bottoms Filled With Spinach 🌱🍽️

Artichoke bottoms filled with spinach is a delicious and visually appealing dish that combines the earthy flavors of artichokes with the savory goodness of spinach. This recipe is a great appetizer or side dish and is often enjoyed as part of Mediterranean or Italian cuisine. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

🔍 What is it?
Artichoke bottoms filled with spinach are typically made by stuffing canned or freshly cooked artichoke bottoms with a mixture of cooked spinach, garlic, herbs, and cheese. The artichoke bottoms serve as a vessel to hold the flavorful spinach filling.

📜 History:
This dish is not tied to any specific historical event or region. Artichokes and spinach have been popular ingredients in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries, and combining them likely emerged as a way to make a delightful and nutritious dish.

🥦 Components:

• Artichoke bottoms (canned or fresh)
• Fresh spinach leaves
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese (or another cheese of your choice)
• Herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or basil)
• Salt and pepper

👩‍🍳 Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Artichoke Bottoms: If using canned artichoke bottoms, drain them. If using fresh artichokes, remove the tough outer leaves, trim the tops, and scoop out the fuzzy choke to reveal the tender heart.

2. Blanch the Artichokes: If using fresh artichoke bottoms, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until they are tender. Drain and let them cool.

3. Prepare the Spinach Filling:

   • In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
   • Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until they wilt.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs.
   • Stir in grated Parmesan cheese (or any cheese of your preference) to bind the mixture.

4. Stuff the Artichoke Bottoms:

   • Carefully stuff the cooked spinach mixture into the artichoke bottoms.

5. Bake or Grill:

   • Place the stuffed artichoke bottoms on a baking sheet or grill.
   • Bake or grill until the tops are golden and the cheese is bubbly, typically for about 15-20 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).

6. Serve:

   • Garnish with more herbs or grated cheese if desired.
   • Serve hot, and enjoy!

⏲️ Preparation Time:
The time needed to prepare this dish will vary depending on whether you use canned or fresh artichoke bottoms and your cooking skills. On average, it may take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Enjoy your artichoke bottoms filled with spinach! 🍴🌿

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical serving of Artichoke Bottoms Filled With Spinach:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):

• Calories: 150-200 calories
• Total Fat: 8-12 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 2-4 grams
• Cholesterol: 10-15 milligrams
• Sodium: 300-400 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 5-7 grams
  • Sugars: 2-3 grams
• Protein: 8-10 grams
• Vitamin A: 50-70% of the daily recommended intake
• Vitamin C: 25-30% of the daily recommended intake
• Calcium: 15-20% of the daily recommended intake
• Iron: 10-15% of the daily recommended intake

🌱 Health Information:

1. Low in Calories: This dish is relatively low in calories, making it a good choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.

2. Rich in Fiber: Spinach is a good source of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and can help you feel full.

3. Vitamins and Minerals: This dish provides significant amounts of vitamins A and C, which are important for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and the immune system. It also offers calcium for bone health and iron for blood health.

4. Antioxidants: Spinach is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.

5. Low in Saturated Fat: The dish is relatively low in saturated fat, which is a heart-healthy feature.

6. Source of Protein: The spinach and cheese in this dish contribute protein, an essential nutrient for various bodily functions, including muscle maintenance.

7. Moderate Sodium: The sodium content can vary, but it’s generally moderate. Be mindful of your salt intake, especially if you have high blood pressure.

8. Versatility: This dish can be customized to suit different dietary needs. For example, you can use low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives for a lighter version.

Remember that the exact nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. This dish can be a nutritious and flavorful addition to your diet, especially when served alongside other vegetables and lean protein sources.