Artichokes Braised Neapolitan Style (Carciofi Affogati alla Napoletana)
Category: Side Dish
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Artichokes | 6 |
| Black Olives (pitted) | 100g |
| Salted Capers | 15g |
| Water | 100g |
| Fresh Chili Pepper | 1 |
| Garlic Clove | 1 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | As needed |
| Fresh Parsley | As needed |
| Fine Salt | As needed |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Capers and Olives: Start by desalting the capers. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess salt. Next, move on to the olives: carefully remove the pits either with a knife or an olive pitter. Set them aside.
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Prepare the Artichokes: Trim the artichokes by removing the tough outer leaves. Cut off the stems, leaving just enough to hold the artichoke. Peel the bottom base until you reach the tender, more delicate part of the heart. Cut away the top of the leaves, then divide the artichokes in half. Using a small paring knife, scoop out the choke (the fuzzy interior) to reveal the smooth heart. Once prepped, set the artichokes aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan. Add the thinly sliced fresh chili pepper and the whole garlic clove (peeled). Sauté for a minute, allowing the flavors to infuse the oil.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the pitted olives and rinsed capers to the pan. Let them warm up for a minute to release their flavors.
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Cook the Artichokes: Add the prepared artichokes to the pan, ensuring they are well coated in the flavored oil. Sauté for another minute to seal in the flavors. Adjust with a pinch of fine salt.
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Add Water & Simmer: Pour in the water and stir to combine. Let the artichokes braise on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they become tender and have absorbed the flavors of the olives, capers, and chili.
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Finish and Serve: Once the artichokes are cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over them before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
This delicious Neapolitan-style braised artichoke dish is a perfect side for any meal. With the briny olives and capers, complemented by the heat from the fresh chili and the freshness of parsley, these artichokes are elevated to something truly special. Enjoy with crusty bread or alongside your favorite main course!
