Grandma Dis Artichokes Recipes

NONNA'S ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Cut the stems and tops off each artichoke. Remove the tough outer leaves. Snip the ends off the remaining leaves with scissors to remove thorns. Remove the tough exterior of the stems and cut them in half. Set aside.
• Combine bread crumbs, pecorino Romano cheese, mint, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and mix well.
• Wiggle an artichoke back and forth with your thumbs to open the leaves. Stuff the bread crumb mixture between multiple leaves and in the center. Repeat with the second artichoke.
• Place artichokes and stem pieces in a large pan that has a tight-fitting lid. Add wine and water to the pan, making sure not to wet the artichokes. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until you can easily pull an outer leaf off an artichoke, about 1 hour.

ROBERT GALANO'S ARTICHOKES ITALIAN-GRANDMOTHER STYLE

Steps:

• Cut stems off bottom of artichokes; peel and save. Pound bottom of each artichoke on table (not so hard that they squash) two or three times to open leaves. Cut off points of artichokes and snip side points with scissors.
• Cut garlic into a total of 20 pieces. Punch (with finger or end of wooden spoon) one piece of garlic down into center of each artichoke (You may have to separate the leaves a bit with your fingers) and three more pieces between outside leaves.
• Repeat with the parsley.
• Cut stems in two and stuff one down each center like garlic and parsley. If stems are too long, cut off part.
• Place artichokes in a pot so they gently touch the sides and each other. Be careful not to pour water into artiichokes; pour enough into pot to reach half way up the sides of the artichokes. Add three or four tablespoons olive oil, basil and oregano to water.
• Add an additional tablespoon of olive oil to center of each artichoke. Season with salt and pepper.
• Cover pot and cook over high heat until boiling; reduce heat to simmer. Simmer 45 minutes to one hour until a center leaf removes easily. Do not overcook. Drain and reserve liquid.
• Serve at room temperature or chill overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.