Artichokes Stuffed With Pancetta and Parsley

🍽️ Artichokes Stuffed With Pancetta and Parsley 🍽️

History:
Artichokes stuffed with pancetta and parsley is a delightful dish that combines the earthy flavors of artichokes with the savory goodness of pancetta and the fresh zing of parsley. The dish is a contemporary take on traditional stuffed artichokes, with a touch of Italian and Mediterranean influences.

Components:

1. Artichokes: The star ingredient, artichokes, provide a unique, nutty flavor and a tender, edible heart. Make sure to choose fresh, large artichokes for this recipe.
2. Pancetta: A type of Italian bacon, pancetta is used to add a rich, salty, and slightly smoky flavor to the dish. You can also use bacon as a substitute.
3. Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of fresh, herbal flavor to the stuffing.
4. Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are used to bind the stuffing together and give it a bit of texture.
5. Garlic: Garlic enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
6. Lemon: A bit of lemon juice or zest can be used for brightness and acidity.
7. Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the pancetta and garlic and to drizzle over the artichokes.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Artichokes:

   • Start by trimming the artichokes. Remove any tough outer leaves and trim the tips of the remaining leaves.
   • Cut off the top inch or so of each artichoke.
   • Use a spoon to scoop out the fuzzy choke from the center, leaving the tender heart intact.
   • Rub the cut sides with lemon juice to prevent browning.

2. Prepare the Stuffing:

   • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add finely chopped pancetta and cook until it becomes crispy and renders its fat.
   • Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
   • Mix in fresh parsley and breadcrumbs. Cook until the mixture is slightly browned and well combined.
   • Season with salt and pepper, and add a squeeze of lemon juice for flavor.

3. Stuff the Artichokes:

   • Gently pry open the artichoke leaves and stuff the breadcrumb mixture into the cavities.

4. Cook the Artichokes:

   • Place the stuffed artichokes in a large pot.
   • Add water to the pot until it reaches about 1/4 of the way up the artichokes.
   • Drizzle some olive oil over the artichokes and season with salt and pepper.
   • Cover the pot and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the artichoke leaves pull away easily.

5. Serve:

   • Carefully remove the stuffed artichokes from the pot.
   • Drizzle with more olive oil and garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Time Needed:
The total preparation and cooking time for this dish is around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. It may vary depending on the size and freshness of the artichokes and your cooking experience.

Enjoy these delicious stuffed artichokes with a glass of white wine, and don’t forget to savor the delightful blend of flavors and textures in this dish. 🍽️🍋🌿

Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for the “Artichokes Stuffed With Pancetta and Parsley” recipe:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate Values):

• Calories: 250-300
• Total Fat: 12-15 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
• Cholesterol: 10-15 milligrams
• Sodium: 600-800 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 10-12 grams
  • Sugars: 2-4 grams
• Protein: 8-10 grams
• Vitamin A: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 25-30% DV
• Calcium: 8-10% DV
• Iron: 10-15% DV

Health Information:

• Artichokes are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels. They are also rich in antioxidants, which are beneficial for overall health.

• Pancetta is a high-fat food, so it should be consumed in moderation. It adds flavor to the dish but also contributes to the overall calorie and fat content.

• Parsley is low in calories and contains vitamins A and C. It’s a good source of antioxidants and may help support immune health.

• Olive Oil is a source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which are associated with heart health. It can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

• Garlic contains allicin, a compound with potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and promoting overall well-being.

• Breadcrumbs are a source of carbohydrates and can add some fiber to the dish.

• Lemon provides vitamin C and adds a zesty flavor to the dish.

• Serving Size: The provided nutrition information is based on a standard serving size, but it can vary depending on the size and number of artichokes used and the amount of stuffing in each serving.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. Adjustments can be made to suit your dietary needs and preferences.