# Genovese-Style Artichokes: A Culinary Tour of Italy's Liguria Region
In the heart of Italy's Liguria region, a symphony of flavors awaits in the Genovese-style artichokes, a dish that embodies the essence of Italian culinary artistry. These stuffed artichokes, known as carciofi alla genovese, are a testament to the region's rich culinary heritage, blending the distinct taste of fresh artichokes with a medley of aromatic herbs, savory breadcrumbs, and the tangy brightness of lemon.
This article offers a comprehensive guide to mastering this Ligurian delicacy, featuring three enticing recipes that cater to diverse culinary preferences and skill levels. Embark on a culinary journey as we delve into the secrets of preparing these magnificent stuffed artichokes, exploring variations that range from traditional to modern interpretations. Discover the art of selecting the perfect artichokes, the techniques for meticulous preparation, and the intricacies of crafting the savory stuffing that brings these artichokes to life.
# Recipes Included:
1. **Classic Genovese-Style Artichokes**: Experience the timeless flavors of traditional Genovese-style artichokes, prepared with a classic combination of breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
2. **Modern Genovese-Style Artichokes with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pine Nuts**: Elevate the classic recipe with the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and toasted pine nuts, adding a touch of Mediterranean flair to this Ligurian specialty.
3. **Vegan Genovese-Style Artichokes**: Indulge in a plant-based rendition of this beloved dish, featuring a flavorful combination of lentils, vegetables, and herbs, creating a hearty and satisfying vegan alternative.
BAKED ARTICHOKES WITH GORGONZOLA AND HERBS
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories appetizer
Time 1h45m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Trim the artichokes by cutting off the top 1-inch or so. Cut the stem close to the base of the artichoke so the artichoke can sit up straight, and remove some of the bottom leaves. Using kitchen shears, trim the sharp points off of any remaining outer leaves. Add the artichokes to the boiling water. Halve the lemons and squeeze the juice into the boiling water. Toss in the lemons. Cook the artichokes until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain the artichokes and let cool.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together the Gorgonzola, cream, thyme, 2 teaspoons parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. In another small bowl stir together the bread crumbs and remaining 1 tablespoon of parsley.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Remove the center choke of the artichokes using a small spoon. Stuff the cheese mixture into the center of the artichokes. Place the artichokes into a baking dish. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the artichokes. Drizzle the tops of the artichokes with olive oil. Bake until the artichokes are heated through, the cheese is melted, and the bread crumbs are crisp and golden, about 25 minutes. Transfer the artichokes to a serving dish and serve.
TIMBALLO GENOVESE
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories main-dish
Time 5h20m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 26
Steps:
- For the sauce: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the oil. Season the meat evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and add to the hot pan. Cook until the meat is deep brown on the first side, about 4 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until deep, dark brown, an additional 3 minutes on each side. Remove the meat to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions and an additional 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir with a wooden spoon, scraping up all the bits from the bottom and coating the onions in the oil from the pan. Cook the onions, stirring often, until deep golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Add the garlic, carrots and celery and cook until fragrant and soft, another 2 minutes. Clear a little space in the pan so you can see the bottom. Add the tomato paste to that spot and toast the paste, stirring often, until deep red, about 2 minutes. Stir the paste into the vegetables and deglaze with the Marsala. Simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Place the meat back into the pan and add 3 cups water to cover three-quarters of the way. Nestle the Parmesan rind into the sauce. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid just slightly ajar and simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until slightly reduced and the onions are practically melted into the sauce, about 2 1/2 hours.
- Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Remove the piece of meat and the cheese rind. Discard the rind and save the beef for another use. Using a handheld immersion blender, pulse the sauce to even out the consistency. Stir in the butter until combined. Remove 1 1/2 cups of the sauce and reserve for the assembly.
- For the meatballs: Preheat the broiler to high.
- Mix together the milk, bread and egg with a fork in a medium bowl and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Stir in the Parmesan, oregano and salt. Using your hands, mix in the beef until just combined. With damp hands, scoop 1/2-teaspoon mounds and roll into uniform balls. Place on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil until browned, about 7 minutes. Set aside.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
- For the filling: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and bacon and cook, stirring often, until the bacon is crispy and browned, about 5 minutes. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat. Stir in the peas and salt and remove from the heat.
- For the assembly: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season well with salt. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes. Using tongs, remove the pasta from the water and add directly to the sauce in the Dutch oven. Sprinkle the bare pasta with 1 1/2 cups Parmesan and toss well with the sauce. Add 1/2 cup pasta water to loosen slightly and help the sauce coat the pasta, if needed.
- Using the tongs, place half of the sauced pasta in the bottom of a springform pan. Spread 1/2 cup of the reserved sauce on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with the smoked provolone. Follow with the pea mixture, then the meatballs. Sprinkle the meatballs with 1/2 cup Parmesan. Press down slightly to pack. Top with the remaining pasta and 1 cup reserved sauce. Press gently to compress. Top the pasta with the remaining 1 cup Parmesan.
- Place on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until golden brown on top, 50 to 60 minutes. Allow the timbale to rest for 30 minutes before running a knife around the edge and unmolding. Slice with a thin, sharp knife to serve.
ITALIAN STUFFED ARTICHOKES
Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King
Categories side-dish
Time 2h15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Trim the stem of an artichoke so the base is flat and even. Trim the top inch off the artichoke and remove and discard any tough, woody outer leaves. Gently open up the leaves to get to the center. Using a spoon, scoop out the fuzzy choke in the center. Using scissors, trim off the sharp points of the large outer leaves. Rub and pour lemon juice all over the inside and outside (reserve half of the juice). Repeat with remaining artichokes.
- Mix together pulverized crackers, Pecorino, olive oil, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic, lemon zest and salt and pepper.
- Pack each artichoke with the stuffing mixture, starting with the interior and working your way around between the outer leaves. Continue this process with the remaining artichokes. Place artichokes in an 8-inch square baking dish and add about 1 inch of chicken stock and the reserved lemon juice to the bottom of the dish. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake until leaves pull out easily and the meat at the bottom of the leaves is tender, 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. Preheat the broiler. Take off foil, drizzle the artichokes with olive oil and broil until tops are golden brown, about 5 minutes. Serve!
PASTA ALLA GENOVESE
To many Neapolitans, the beef sauce La Genovese is at the heart of the city's cooking. Yet it's little more than onions (lots of them) and beef, simmered until both fall apart. Boiling the onions before cooking is a variation on traditional technique and could be considered a shortcut; it does save time, though not a whole lot of it. It's easy enough, and more traditional, to slice the onions raw and increase cooking time accordingly.
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories pastas
Time 3h30m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place the onions in the boiling water, and cook, covered, 15 minutes. Drain the onions, and let cool a bit, then slice very thinly.
- Heat half the oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat; stir in the carrots, celery and bacon, and cook for 4 minutes. Add the beef, then cover with the onions. Pour the remaining oil over the onions, then sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper. Cover, bring to a simmer and cook gently until the beef is tender, about 2 hours; the onions will release a good deal of liquid.
- Uncover the pot and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring more frequently as the liquid reduces and lowering the heat as necessary to prevent scorching, until the meat has fallen apart and the sauce is creamy, about 45 minutes. Stir in the wine and taste, adding more wine if desired. Reduce the heat to low, and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is glossy and quite thick, about 15 minutes more.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and toss with the sauce. Stir in Parmesan to taste, then serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 628, UnsaturatedFat 15 grams, Carbohydrate 68 grams, Fat 22 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 40 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 1110 milligrams, Sugar 13 grams, TransFat 0 grams
RIGATONI ALLA GENOVESE
I have no idea why this amazingly flavorful Genovese-style meat sauce isn't way more popular than it is. It's quite simply one of the best pasta sauces you'll ever taste, thanks to a very slow cooking process, and massive amounts of onions.
Provided by Chef John
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 10h
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook pancetta until most of fat is rendered out, about 6 minutes. Remove cooked pancetta with a slotted spoon and save.
- Raise heat to high and transfer meat to the pot. Season with salt. Cook and stir until liquid releases from beef and begins to evaporate, and meat browns, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-high. Add celery, carrots, reserved cooked pancetta, salt and pepper. Cook and stir about 5 minutes. Add a heaping tablespoon of tomato paste, bay leaf, and white wine. Cook and stir, scraping up the brownings from the bottom of the pan, 2 to 3 minutes. Add sliced onions. Reduce heat to medium. Cover pot and cook 30 minutes without stirring. After 30 minutes, stir onions and meat until well mixed. Cover again, and cook another 30 minutes. Stir.
- Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered 8 to 10 hours, stirring occasionally. Skim off fat as mixture cooks. If sauce seems to reduce too much, add water or broth as needed to maintain a sauce-like consistency. Cook until beef and onions seem to melt into each other.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until just barely al dente, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain.
- Add rigatoni to the sauce and cook until heated through. Serve topped with a pinch of marjoram and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 891.2 calories, Carbohydrate 116.8 g, Cholesterol 79.9 mg, Fat 29.5 g, Fiber 10.1 g, Protein 38.9 g, SaturatedFat 10.3 g, Sodium 1022.2 mg, Sugar 19.2 g
FRIED ARTICHOKES
These deserve to be served as a separate course, eaten with your fingers. The basic method is the same for French fries - the first frying cooks and the second, hotter frying crisps. Roman cimaroli or mammole artichokes do not have the sharp thorns of our American globe variety and are picked before their chokes have fully developed, so I have made some adjustments to the original recipe to remove the choke here. Don't let it intimidate you; the first frying and a grapefruit spoon or melon baller makes it relatively easy to manage.
Provided by Joan Nathan
Categories appetizer, side dish
Time 1h
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Mix salt and pepper in a small bowl. Fill a large bowl with water and add juice and rinds of lemons. Set both bowls aside.
- Using a sharp paring or bird's beak knife, shave off the tough outer leaves of artichokes until you reach the tender pale green or yellow leaves and create a bulbous shape. Cut off at least an inch of the thorny top. Trim the stem near the heart, peeling off the outer green fiber and leaving about 2 inches of stem if possible. Immediately put the artichokes in the lemon water to prevent browning.
- Fill an electric fryer or deep cast-iron enameled pot with enough oil to almost cover artichokes. Heat to 325 degrees. While oil is heating, dry artichokes well with paper towels. Tap the flat top of the cut artichoke against the table to loosen the leaves. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, rubbing in the seasoning.
- Fry artichokes in batches. Cook, turning occasionally with tongs, for about 15 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the stem at its thickest point. The outside should be bronzed.
- Remove artichokes from oil and drain well, stem side up, on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet. Gently open leaves to remove choke (using a grapefruit spoon or melon baller) and encourage the leaves to spread. You can now freeze them or leave them out, stem side up, for a few hours until ready to finish.
- When ready to serve, reheat the oil to 350. Working in batches again, return artichokes, stem side up, to hot oil just to crisp. Drain well and serve immediately with a sprinkle of salt. Eat with your fingers.
Tips:
- Choose fresh artichokes: Look for artichokes with tightly closed leaves and a heavy feel. Avoid any with brown or wilted leaves.
- Trim the artichokes properly: Cut off the stem and about 1 inch of the top of the artichoke. Remove the tough outer leaves until you reach the pale green leaves.
- Soak the artichokes in lemon water: This will help to prevent them from discoloring.
- Cook the artichokes until tender: The artichokes are done cooking when a knife can easily pierce the base.
- Serve the artichokes with your favorite dipping sauce: Some popular options include melted butter, olive oil, garlic mayonnaise, or aioli.
Conclusion:
Genovese-style artichokes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. They are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like them simple or stuffed, grilled or fried, there is a Genovese-style artichoke recipe out there for everyone. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy artichokes, give one of these recipes a try.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love