Ciao! Today I’m sharing the authentic Carciofi Alla Romana recipe from Rome: artichokes stuffed with mint and breadcrumbs, then slowly cooked until tender and delicious.

carciofi alla romana
carciofi alla romana recipe

CARCIOFI ALLA ROMANA: ITALIAN MEMORIES

In my vegetarian youth, veggies were a main dish, not a side dish, and it was not uncommon for me to get very excited for the eggplant parmigiana or the artichoke nights.

For example, my mom’s delicious Carciofi Alla Romana night. That day we sat at the table and found artichokes with their crispy leaves and juicy condiment, fresh bread, and a salad. 

We were allowed, for the occasion, to use our hands to pick a leave at the time, bite it and suck all the flavor out of it. 

When finished, we could also collect the remaining juices with bread, a memorable scarpetta.

It was a ritual. And it was a great (and a little primordial) food experience.

Every time I make Carciofi Alla Romana, and I enjoy this simple, delicious dish, I thank fate for coming from a vegetarian family. Pescatarian, to be more precise. Thanks to my parents, I grew up discovering the pleasures of a vegetable dish, the flavors of fresh ingredients, and the infinite possibilities behind any cabbage head or artichoke flower.

Torino

The city of elegance

Papal Rome

The city of food

Venice

The city of opulence

artichokes in Italy
authentic carciofi alla romana recipe

THE AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CARCIOFI ALLA ROMANA RECIPE

This is the authentic Roman-style Carciofi Alla Romana recipe, with just a little of my kitchen creativity (which you can skip if you are a purist).

carciofi alla romana
carciofi alla romana
carciofi alla romana recipe
carciofi alla romana
carciofi alla romana
carciofi alla romana
carciofi alla romana
carciofi alla romana

Carciofi Alla Romana

Course Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 2
Author Claudia Rinaldi | Gourmet Project

Ingredients

  • 2 artichokes
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 1.7 oz breadcrumbs 50 gr
  • 1/2 garlic clove
  • 2 tablespoons mint pennyroyal - chopped
  • sea salt

Instructions

  1. Clean the artichokes by cutting off the top of the stems. Peel the stems. If very long, cut them into medium pieces - you'll cook them too. Snap off the dark green outer leaves. Cut off the peak of the artichokes so you don't have hurty spikes.

  2. Use your hands to open the artichokes' hearts and scoop out and discard the inner beard.

  3. Transfer them to a bowl filled with water and the lemon juice (to prevent oxidation). Leave them there while proceeding with the next steps.

  4. Trite the breadcrumbs together with the mint, garlic, and a pinch of salt.

  5. Drain the artichokes, pat dry them with a kitchen cloth, and fill the inside with a spoon of the previously made blend.

  6. Place them in a medium pot upside down. Add the cut stems and pour enough water to cover half of their heads. Add two tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and the eventual remaining mixture.

  7. Cover and cook over medium heat for twenty to twenty-five minutes. Use a skewer or a fork to check if the inside is fork-tender.

  8. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Recipe Notes

Serve hot or at room temperature with lots of toasted Italian rustic bread.

Enjoy your delicious Carciofi Alla Romana!

Claudia