Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread

Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread Recipe - Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread is a delicious and creamy appetizer that is perfect for any gathering or party. This recipe combines the rich flavors of artichokes, Parmesan cheese, and garlic to create a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The origins of Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in Italy, where artichokes are a popular ingredient in many dishes. The combination of artichokes and Parmesan cheese is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for centuries.

Ingredients

1 can (14 oz / 397 g) of drained artichoke hearts
1 cup plus 1 tbsp of freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
0.25 cup of reduced-fat mayonnaise
1 clove of finely chopped garlic
1 tsp of freshly grated lemon zest
a dash of cayenne pepper
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Place the artichoke hearts in the center of a clean kitchen towel. Gather up the ends and twist firmly to extract all the moisture.
In a food processor, combine the artichokes, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest, and cayenne pepper.
Process the mixture until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Spread the mixture evenly in a small ovenproof gratin dish.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 tbsp of Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake until the top is golden, approximately 15 minutes.
Serve the dish warm.

Variations

Add chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for additional flavor.
Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version of this dish.
Top with breadcrumbs or chopped nuts for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thoroughly drain the artichoke hearts before using them in this recipe to prevent the spread from becoming too watery.

- For a more intense garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic before adding it to the spread.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding additional ingredients such as chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.

Serving Suggestions

Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread can be served with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to thoroughly drain the artichoke hearts before using them in this recipe to prevent the spread from becoming too watery.

- Use a food processor to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use frozen artichoke hearts instead of canned if fresh artichokes are not available.

- Substitute Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for Parmesan if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread in a decorative dish garnished with fresh herbs or lemon zest for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and eggs (mayonnaise), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread is a flavorful and satisfying appetizer that is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread is a delicious and creamy appetizer that is perfect for any gathering or party. This flavorful dish is easy to prepare and is sure to be a hit with your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my friend Margaret's house for a casual afternoon get-together. Margaret had always been known for her delicious and unique recipes, so I was excited to see what she had prepared for us that day.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the rich, cheesy aroma of something baking in the oven. Margaret greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. "You're going to love this," she said, as she pulled a bubbling dish out of the oven.

I watched in awe as she spooned out a generous portion of the golden-brown mixture onto a toasted baguette slice. The first bite was pure bliss - creamy, cheesy, and bursting with the flavors of artichokes and Parmesan. I couldn't get enough of it.

"Margaret, this is incredible," I exclaimed, my mouth still full of the delicious spread. "Where did you learn to make this?"

Margaret chuckled and said, "Oh, this old thing? It's just a little recipe I picked up from an Italian friend of mine years ago. Would you like me to write it down for you?"

And so, that day marked the beginning of my love affair with Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread. I asked Margaret for the recipe, which she graciously wrote down for me on a stained index card. I made sure to keep it safe in my recipe box, knowing that it would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I shared it with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness. It became a go-to dish for potlucks, parties, and family gatherings.

One day, while attending a community cooking class, I decided to share my beloved recipe with the group. As I demonstrated how to make the Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread, I could see the excitement in the eyes of my fellow participants. They couldn't wait to try it for themselves.

After the class, I was approached by a young woman named Sofia, who had been particularly impressed by the dish. She told me that she was an aspiring chef and asked if I would be willing to mentor her in the art of cooking.

I was delighted by the request and agreed to take Sofia under my wing. I shared not only the recipe for Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread with her, but also many other dishes and cooking techniques that I had learned over the years. It was a joy to pass on my knowledge and passion for cooking to the next generation.

As Sofia honed her skills in the kitchen, she began to experiment with the Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread recipe, adding her own unique twist to it. She incorporated fresh herbs, a touch of lemon zest, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, elevating the dish to new heights of flavor.

I was so proud to see Sofia's creativity and talent flourish, knowing that I had played a small part in her culinary journey. We continued to cook together, swapping recipes and stories, forging a bond that would last a lifetime.

And so, the legacy of the Hot Artichoke Parmesan Spread lives on, passed down from generation to generation, each cook adding their own touch to the beloved recipe. It serves as a reminder of the joy and connection that can be found in the simple act of sharing a meal with loved ones. And for that, I am forever grateful.