Expert: Melinda Walker - 12/4/2002

Question
Hi!  I need a recipe for an Italian Stuffed Artichoke.  I've eaten them in south LA, but I have no idea how to make it - how to even begin.  I don't know how long to boil/steam (see what I mean~!) the artichoke, or what stuffing to use.  Can you help?  Thanks!

Answer
Anita,

I went through my cookbooks and found this to be the best and simplest recipe for "Stuffed Artichokes"...

8-10 artichokes, washed and drained
2 cups ground ham
2 cups Italian bread crumbs
1 cup grated Romano cheese
1 bunch parsley, chopped
3 cloves pressed garlic
1 lemon, sliced
water
2 tsp salt
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp olive oil

Mix ground ham, bread crumbs, parsley, cheese and garlic.  Stuff each leaf and middle.  Take lemon slices and twist on top.  Place artichokes in Dutch oven with about 1 inch of water.  Season water with salt, olive oil and lemon juice.  Dribble each one with water and cover and let water come to a boil.  Simmer, still covered for 1 hour. Fill cooking syringe with liquid from Dutch oven and dribble 3-4 times while cooking for 30-45 minutes longer.  Mixture can be stored in the freezer and used as needed.  Serves 8-10.

This recipe is courtesy of "Talk About Good II" cookbook which is the official cookbook of the Junior League of Lafayette, Louisiana, the Heart of Cajun Country.  While it is not a quick dish, it is relatively simple.  I hope that you enjoy it.

Melinda Walker