Stuffed Artichokes with Lentils
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 20 min
- Cook time: 50 min
- Serving: 4 persone
- Cost: Average
PRESENTATION
Looking for an original idea to cook artichokes? Lentil stuffed artichokes are a tasty vegetarian alternative to the classic stuffed artichokes with meat. An easy recipe, rich in flavor and perfect for those who want to serve a healthy and nutritious main course, yet very appetizing at the same time. The filling of lentils cooked in a slightly spicy tomato sauce with a hint of basil perfectly matches the delicate taste of the artichokes. The final oven gratin with breadcrumbs and Pecorino cheese will then ensure a tempting, crunchy golden crust. Perfect for the Easter menu, the lentil stuffed artichokes will win everyone over at the table with their rustic but super inviting appearance!
Here are many variations of stuffed artichokes to try:
- Egg and Cheese Stuffed Artichokes
- Roman-style Artichokes
- Breadcrumb Artichokes
- Vegetarian Stuffed Artichokes
- INGREDIENTS
- Purple artichokes 4
- Precooked lentils 1 cup (250 g) - (drained weight)
- Tomato purée 0.7 cup (150 g)
- Garlic 1 clove
- Lemons 1
- Pecorino Romano PDO cheese to taste
- Breadcrumbs to taste
- Green Peperoncino to taste
- Basil to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil to taste
- Fine salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
How to prepare Stuffed Artichokes with Lentils
To prepare the lentil stuffed artichokes, start by cleaning the artichokes: remove the stem 1 and the tougher outer leaves 2, then cut off the tips of the leaves 3.
Hollow out the inside with a knife or a melon baller 4, then spread the leaves to create space in the center for the filling 5. As you clean the artichokes, soak them in lemon water to prevent them from browning 6.
After cleaning the artichokes, blanch them in lemon water for about 7 minutes 7. Then drain and set aside. In a pan, heat a drizzle of oil with a clove of garlic, then add the tomato sauce 8 and season with chili powder to taste 9.
Add the pre-cooked lentils 10, fresh basil leaves for aroma 11 and pepper 12.
Add salt 13 and cook over moderate heat for 7-10 minutes 14. Fill the artichokes with the lentil mixture, right up to the edge 15.
Place the stuffed artichokes in a baking dish, then sprinkle the top with grated cheese 16 and breadcrumbs. Drizzle with a bit of oil 17 and bake in a preheated static oven at 356°F (180°C) for 20 minutes, then continue cooking at 392°F (200°C) in grill mode for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let your lentil stuffed artichokes cool slightly before serving 18!