Neapolitan artichokes are a side dish that encapsulates Mediterranean flavors, with a delicate and harmonious taste, and an irresistible aroma.
Simple and quick to prepare, suitable for those who love flavorful vegetables.
The artichokes are the stars, tender and sweet they blend with the briny taste of capers and the intense and slightly bitter flavor of olives.
Pan cooking with extra virgin olive oil enhances the aroma and texture of the artichokes, which become tender yet still firm, maintaining a slight crunch.
The final sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of color and freshness to the dish.
A tasty and healthy side dish as artichokes are among the vegetables with the highest antioxidant content, useful for combating oxidative stress and slowing down cellular aging.
They provide fiber and are low in calories.
In addition to health benefits, Neapolitan artichokes are delicious and pair well with many other dishes, such as meat, fish, or whole grains, making them a versatile and tasty addition to any meal.
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- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Medium
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Electric oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Winter, Spring
Ingredients for Preparing Neapolitan Artichokes
- 6 artichokes
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3.5 oz black olives
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1 sprig parsley
- 4 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon
- to taste fine salt
- 1 ladle vegetable broth
Tools
- 1 Frying pan
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Citrus juicer
- 1 Vegetable peeler
Steps for Preparing Neapolitan Artichokes
To prepare the delicious Neapolitan artichokes, start by trimming them.
Remove the tougher outer leaves until you reach the more tender inner leaves. Cut off the spiny tips and shorten the stem, leaving about 1.5-2 inches. Peel the stem by removing the fibrous outer layer with a vegetable peeler.
Cut each artichoke in half and remove the internal “choke” with a knife or a spoon. Cut the artichokes into quarters and immerse them in a bowl with cold water and the juice of a lemon squeezed with the citrus juicer to prevent them from browning
In a large frying pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the whole garlic cloves (slightly crushed to release aroma) and let them brown. Remove the garlic if you prefer a less intense flavor.
Drain the artichokes well and add them to the pan. Sauté them for 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring often, until they begin to brown slightly, then add a ladle of vegetable broth, the salt, the black olives, and the capers (if salted, rinse them thoroughly to remove excess salt). Mix well to combine the flavors and cook for another 5-8 minutes with the lid on over medium-low heat.
Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon, and ensure the broth does not completely evaporate; if necessary, add a little more. The artichokes should be tender but not mushy.
Turn off the heat and finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley
Serve the Neapolitan artichokes hot or at room temperature and…
Enjoy from Barbara!
Advice and Storage
For a richer variant, you can add a handful of toasted pine nuts or anchovy fillets dissolved in oil.
Choose fresh organic artichokes that are firm, with closed leaves and a bright color. Freshness is key to achieving a delicate flavor and tender texture.
Taggiasca olives add a rich and authentic flavor. Avoid overly salty olives or those treated with excessive preservatives.
If using salted capers, rinse them thoroughly under running water to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
Neapolitan artichokes can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Before serving, reheat them in a pan for a few minutes with a little vegetable broth.
Do not freeze.
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FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I use frozen artichokes
Yes, you can use frozen artichokes to speed up preparation. However, avoid canned or oil-packed ones for this recipe, as the taste and texture might not be ideal.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add diced potatoes, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to diversify the flavors and enrich the dish.
Can I prepare the dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Before serving, reheat it in a pan.
