Ingredients:

  • 4 large globe artichokes
  • 2 large lemons
  • 2 cups (120g) Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup (100g) Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup (25g) fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine
  • 1 cup (240ml) water

Instructions:

  1. Prepare a large bowl of acidulated water by adding the juice of half a lemon to cold water. This prevents the artichokes from browning during prep.
  2. Trim the artichokes: Cut off the stem to create a flat base. Use a serrated bread knife to slice off the top 1.5 inches of the artichoke. Use kitchen shears to snip off the thorny tips of the remaining leaves.
  3. Gently pry open the leaves from the center outward to create space for the stuffing. Rub all cut edges with a fresh lemon half to prevent oxidation.
  4. Pry the center leaves open with your thumbs and use a metal spoon to scoop out the fuzzy choke and the tiny purple leaves in the center.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs, grated Pecorino Romano, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1/4 cup (60ml) of olive oil until the mixture reaches the consistency of wet sand.
  6. Stuff the artichokes by packing the breadcrumb mixture between the leaves and into the center cavity, ensuring the stuffing is evenly distributed.
  7. Place the artichokes upright in a deep baking dish. Pour the white wine, water, into the bottom of the dish.
  8. Slowly pour the 1/2 cup (120ml) of extra virgin olive oil over the tops of the artichokes, ensuring some oil gets into every leaf.
  9. Cover the dish tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil to create a steam chamber. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes, or until a knife slides easily into the base of the heart.
  10. Remove the cover and bake for another 10 minutes until the tops are deep golden and crackling.