Artichoke Roma(Makes 4 First-Course Servings)
A flavorful artichoke and spinach dish featuring cheesy, crunchy spinach balls perfect as a first course for gatherings or special occasions, combining fresh herbs and savory cheeses.
Ingredients
- 4 large artichokes ⓘ
- 2 c. bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 3/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 c. butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 1 lemon, cut into 4 wedges
- 3 (12 oz.) bunches spinach or 3 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 c. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese or mixture of both ⓘ
- 1/2 c. dry breadcrumbs, made from French bread ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash fresh spinach thoroughly in several changes of cold water.
- Discard stems and bruised or tough leaves.
- Chop spinach and blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes.
- Drain spinach well and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs until blended.
- Mix in Ricotta cheese, 1 1/4 cups grated cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped spinach, parsley, and minced garlic.
- Shape the spinach mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls.
- Roll the spinach balls in flour.
- Cover and refrigerate until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on the classic, consider adding some crumbled feta cheese to the spinach mixture for a tangy flavor. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. When preparing the artichokes, ensure you use fresh ones for the best taste, and remember to keep lemon wedges handy to prevent browning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve artichoke Roma warm as a first course, paired with a light salad or a side of Oven Roasted Potatoes - Greek Style for a delightful meal. A refreshing glass of white wine complements this dish beautifully, enhancing the flavors of the artichokes and spinach. For a more substantial offering, consider serving it alongside Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken With Vegetable Kabobs.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover artichoke Roma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the artichokes rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Artichoke Roma(Makes 4 First-Course Servings) contains roughly 2955 calories, with 117g protein, 302g carbohydrates, and 173g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (440% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (431% of the Daily Value), and protein (235% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach for convenience. Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it to remove excess moisture before adding it to the mixture. This will help maintain the right texture and flavor in your artichokes.
How do I know when the artichokes are cooked properly?
The artichokes are done when the outer leaves can be easily pulled off and the hearts are tender. Cooking times may vary, so check for tenderness by inserting a knife into the base of the artichoke. If it goes in easily, they are ready to serve.
Can I prepare these artichokes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the artichokes a day in advance. Just cover them and store in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for the best results, ensuring they are hot and delicious when plated.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).