Artichoke And Cheese: Perfect Pairing For A Snack

Artichokes are a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many ways, including boiling, steaming, roasting, and baking. They are commonly paired with a variety of cheeses, such as Parmesan, mozzarella, gorgonzola, feta, and cream cheese. Artichokes can be stuffed, dipped, or baked with cheese, creating delicious and creamy dishes. The versatility of artichokes and their unique flavor profile make them a popular ingredient in appetizers, sides, and main courses.

Cheesy Baked Artichokes

Artichokes are a delicious and versatile veggie that can be cooked in many ways. One mouth-watering recipe is cheesy baked artichokes. This recipe is a fun twist on the traditional artichoke and dipping sauce combo.

Ingredients

• 3 lemons, (plus 1 lemon)
• 10 ounces of mild Gorgonzola cheese, (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 3 teaspoons of chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1 clove of garlic, (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil, (such as Fratepietro)
• Salt

Method

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cut off the top inch of the artichokes and trim the stems so they can sit upright. Remove the bottom leaves and use kitchen shears to trim the sharp points off the remaining outer leaves. Add the artichokes to the boiling water with the juice of the three lemons and the lemon halves. Cook for around 30 minutes, or until tender, then drain and leave to cool.

While the artichokes are cooking, make the cheese mixture. In a small bowl, combine the Gorgonzola, 2 teaspoons of the parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining tablespoon of parsley.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Remove the choke from the centre of the artichokes using a small spoon. Stuff the artichokes with the cheese mixture and place them in a baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the artichokes and drizzle with olive oil.

Bake for around 25 minutes, or until the artichokes are heated through, the cheese is melted, and the breadcrumbs are crisp and golden. Serve and enjoy!

Variations and Tips

If you don't like Gorgonzola, you can use blue cheese, or a mix of mozzarella, fontina, or Parmesan. You can also add cream to the cheese mixture, as well as playing around with different herbs and spices. This recipe is a great show-stopper for a dinner party or special meal, and it goes well with lamb, chicken, or fish.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Artichokes and cheese are a delicious combination, and one of the most popular ways to serve them is in a spinach and artichoke dip. This dish is a crowd-pleasing favourite, perfect for parties, game nights and the Super Bowl. It's a warm, comforting, and savoury dip that's rich, creamy, and perfectly cheesy.

Ingredients

The key to a good spinach and artichoke dip is, of course, the cheese. Cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise create a smooth and creamy base, while grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and sometimes grated Romano add a sharp, salty flavour. You can also add some shredded or crumbled gorgonzola or fontina for a creamier texture and stronger flavour. A sprinkle of garlic, pepper, and perhaps some dried basil, garlic salt, and salt will add some extra depth. Don't forget the spinach and artichoke hearts, which should be drained and chopped.

Method

To make the dip, simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, ensuring the cream cheese is softened first so that it blends smoothly. You can use fresh or frozen spinach, but either way, be sure to squeeze out any excess liquid. Once mixed, spread the dip evenly into a small baking dish and bake in the oven at around 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and melted.

Serving Suggestions

Spinach and artichoke dip is best served warm with tortilla chips, crackers, pita bread, or vegetables for dipping. You could also serve it with homemade bagel chips, crostini, or slices of toasted baguette.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This dip can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. It's best to let it rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before baking. Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Variations

For a healthier version, you can substitute Greek yoghurt for sour cream and use low-fat cream cheese. You can also make a crockpot version by adding all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cooking on high for two hours.

So, the next time you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make party dip, why not give spinach and artichoke dip a try? It's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Artichokes with Lamb

Artichokes and lamb are a perfect pairing, with the sweet and slightly wild taste of lamb complementing the artichoke hearts. This combination is a great way to elevate your meal and impress your guests. Here are some ideas and recipes to guide you in creating delicious artichoke and lamb dishes.

A lamb and artichoke stew is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the earthy flavours of artichokes with the richness of lamb. This could be a perfect main course for a family dinner or a cozy evening with friends. You can season the lamb with spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric, and add a yogurt marinade to enhance the flavours. The artichokes can be steamed or roasted with garlic and herbs to create a mouthwatering combination.

Grilled Lamb and Artichoke Skewers

For a more summery take on this pairing, try grilling lamb and artichoke skewers. Marinate lamb cubes in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and your choice of herbs and spices. Thread the lamb onto skewers, alternating with artichoke hearts and other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Grill them to perfection, and you'll have a delicious and colourful dish that's perfect for a backyard barbecue or a picnic.

Roasted Lamb with Artichoke Side Dish

If you're looking for a more elegant presentation, consider a roasted lamb dish with a sophisticated artichoke side. You can roast or grill lamb chops or a leg of lamb and serve it with a side of steamed or roasted artichoke hearts. Drizzle the artichokes with a little melted butter or a tangy vinaigrette to enhance their flavour. Don't forget to garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of colour and flavour.

Artichoke and Lamb Flatbread

For a fun and casual option, try an artichoke and lamb flatbread. Start with a base of flatbread dough and top it with a mixture of lamb mince, artichoke hearts, and your choice of cheese. You can also add other toppings like red onions, olives, and fresh herbs. Bake it in the oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. This dish is perfect for a casual get-together or a quick weeknight dinner.

Artichoke and Lamb Salad

For a lighter option, create a refreshing salad with lamb and artichokes. Grill or roast lamb chops and slice them thinly. Combine them with artichoke hearts, mixed greens, and other vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Top it off with a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy yogurt dressing, and you'll have a delicious and healthy meal.

Artichoke and Chicken

Artichokes and chicken is a great combination. Chicken is a protein that goes well with artichokes, and artichokes pair well with a variety of other ingredients, including garlic, onion, and shallots.

One option is to make a chicken and artichoke dish with a creamy sauce. Artichokes go well with dairy, so a cream sauce with cheese, such as Parmesan, feta, or pecorino, would work well. You could also add some spices, such as cumin, paprika, and turmeric, to give the dish an earthy flavour.

Another option is to stuff artichokes with a mixture of chicken, cheese, and breadcrumbs. You can bake or grill the stuffed artichokes, and serve them with a simple dipping sauce like melted butter or garlic aioli.

If you want to include more vegetables in your dish, you can add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms, as artichokes pair well with these ingredients. You can also serve the chicken and artichoke dish with a side of roasted or grilled vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

For a lighter option, you can make a salad with chicken, artichokes, and other vegetables, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. You can serve this with a lemony Greek vinaigrette or a simple dijon mustard dressing.

There are many ways to combine artichokes and chicken, and you can experiment with different ingredients and flavours to find your favourite.

Artichoke and Egg

Artichokes and eggs are a match made in heaven. A versatile veggie, artichokes can be cooked in many ways, and they go well with eggs and a variety of other animal proteins such as chicken and lamb.

One way to prepare artichokes with eggs is in a quiche. You could try a salmon and artichoke quiche, a delicious and healthy appetiser. For a simple egg and artichoke dish, you could make an omelette with artichoke hearts, or scramble eggs with artichoke as a side dish.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could try a frittata with artichoke hearts, or even a shakshuka, a North African dish of eggs cooked in a spicy tomato sauce, with artichokes added. For a more indulgent dish, eggs Benedict with artichokes is a delicious option, especially with a creamy hollandaise sauce.

Artichokes are also great in baked dishes, and you can easily incorporate eggs into these recipes. A strata, for example, is a type of savoury bread pudding that can include artichokes and eggs, or you could try an artichoke and egg gratin, a French-style baked dish.

So, whether you're looking for a simple scramble or an indulgent baked dish, artichokes and eggs are a perfect combination.

Frequently asked questions