Gratinated Lamb with Artichokes and Peas
- Easy
- 1 h 15 min
- Kcal 468
Artichoke gratin is one of those dishes that folks in southern Italy just love. Really love. Imagine fresh artichokes, cleaned up and cut, then tucked in a dish with a big ol' sprinkle of pecorino cheese. And when it comes out of the oven? You've got a golden, kinda crispy top that’s a salty, cheesy dream. The heart of this baked artichoke dish is about keeping things simple and fresh. Thing is, Italian cooks know how to make the artichoke the star of the show.
You'll see the same vibe in classics like stuffed artichokes or grilled artichokes with a touch of fiordilatte and herby sauce. They’re all about celebrating the veggie's natural taste, and let’s be real—the pecorino gives it that tangy, satisfying kick.
So here's the deal: you’ll often spot this artichoke gratin at family gatherings, from big Sunday lunches to chill dinners. Some call it an artichoke casserole, but honestly, no matter what you name it, the result is always moist inside with an awesome cheesy crust on top. Pretty simple. And the great thing? It is super easy to make. Even if you’re not into fancy cooking.
This artichoke side dish? It stands out, adding something tender and really really tasty alongside the main course. And look, there are loads of versions around Italy, with different cheeses or extra breadcrumbs, but it's that pecorino that gives this one its southern charm. People who dig stuff like zeppole or any of those cozy Italian plates will likely add this cheesy artichoke bake to their favorites. It’s a classic that just feels right, whether you’re eating with a crowd or just want a little something special for dinner. For sure.
So, if you love the rich flavors of Italian cuisine and a meal that feels both comforting and a bit special, this dish is for you. Cannot go wrong.
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To prepare the gratinated artichokes, start by How to clean artichokes: remove the outer leaves 1 and cut off the stem; then remove the tips 2. Once cleaned, rub the surface of the artichokes with half a lemon 3 to prevent them from darkening.
Boil the artichokes in previously salted boiling water 4, until they become tender but not mushy. Once cooked, drain them 5, let them cool slightly, and cut them into slices 6.
Prepare the gratin mixture: mix breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and grated pecorino cheese in a bowl, and add two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 7. Mix the ingredients well 8. Prepare a baking dish (we used two measuring 8x5.5 inches) and grease the bottom with a scant tablespoon of oil 9.
Place the slices of artichokes, slightly overlapping each other 10. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the artichokes, covering them all 11, and place the artichokes in the oven to gratinate at 356°F for 15-20 minutes, until a golden crust appears on the artichokes 12.