Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sicilian Batter-Fried Artichokes - A Crisp and Golden Festive Treat
Crisp, golden and irresistibly light - discover these Sicilian batter-fried artichokes, perfect as a festive starter or an indulgent winter treat.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 8 artichokes
- ✓ 200 g plain flour
- ✓ 25 g fresh baker’s yeast
- ✓ 1 garlic clove
- ✓ A handful of parsley
- ✓ 3 eggs
- ✓ 2 lemons
- ✓ Salt
- ✓ Extra-virgin olive oil for frying
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Crisp, fragrant and gloriously golden, Sicilian Batter-Fried Artichokes are one of those festive treats that never fail to delight. A traditional winter starter across the island, they’re the kind of dish that appears on Christmas tables, family gatherings and impromptu evenings when something indulgent is simply called for.
Tender artichokes are dipped into a soft, risen batter, made the old-fashioned way with fresh yeast, before being fried until crunchy on the outside and meltingly soft at the centre. A squeeze of lemon brings everything to life, cutting through the richness with a bright, citrusy lift.
Enjoy them piping hot, sprinkled with a little salt and served with fresh lemon wedges - the very essence of Sicilian comfort food.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Prepare the artichokes by removing the tougher outer leaves and trimming the spiky top. Cut them in half and remove the inner choke.
- 2
Slice the artichokes thinly and place them in lemon water to stop them browning.
- 3
Prepare a batter using flour, water, salt and fresh yeast. Leave to rise for about 2 hours in a warm place.
- 4
Blanch the artichoke slices in salted boiling water for 5 minutes, drain and pat dry thoroughly.
- 5
Add the artichokes to the risen batter, then mix in the eggs, chopped garlic and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and combine well.
- 6
Fry spoonfuls of the mixture in hot extra-virgin olive oil until golden and crisp.
- 7
Drain on kitchen paper and serve hot with a squeeze of lemon.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a lighter version, replace the yeast with chilled sparkling water and fry in seed oil. Add a pinch of turmeric or sweet paprika to the batter for extra colour and warmth.
📦 Storage
- • Best enjoyed freshly fried, when at their crispest.
- • Can be kept in the fridge for 1 day and reheated in the oven at 180°C for 5 minutes.
🍷 Pairing
Serve with a glass of Contessa Entellina Rosato, whose floral notes and velvety profile beautifully complement the crisp batter and tender artichokes.
These batter-fried artichokes embody the warmth and conviviality of Sicilian cooking. Serve them as a starter or a festive side dish, and you’re guaranteed to win over every guest.
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