Cardi al Forno with Parmesan Crust

Recipe

Cardi al Forno with Parmesan Crust

Savory Baked Cardoons with a Cheesy Twist

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Italian cuisine with this delightful recipe for Cardi al Forno. This traditional dish features tender cardoons baked to perfection, topped with a golden Parmesan crust.

Jan Dec
Vegetarian Dish› Cardi al forno
European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

30 minutes

Total time

50 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Low-carb, Keto-friendly, Mediterranean diet

Allergens

Dairy (Parmesan cheese)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo, High-protein, Low-fat

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 16g, 4g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 14g, 2g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. 2.
    Trim the cardoons by removing the tough outer stalks and any leaves. Cut them into 4-inch (10cm) pieces.
  3. 3.
    In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add lemon juice and blanch the cardoons for 10 minutes to remove bitterness. Drain and set aside.
  4. 4.
    In a small bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. 5.
    Place the blanched cardoons in a baking dish and evenly spread the Parmesan mixture over the top.
  6. 6.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cardoons are tender and the Parmesan crust is golden brown.
  7. 7.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Cardoons — When trimming the cardoons, make sure to remove any tough outer stalks and leaves. Only use the tender inner stalks for this recipe.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you can't find cardoons, you can substitute with artichoke hearts for a similar flavor and texture.
  • For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the Parmesan crust before baking.
  • Serve the Cardi al Forno as a side dish with roasted meats or grilled fish for a complete Italian meal.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Simply reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes.

Serving advice

Serve the Cardi al Forno hot as a side dish. It pairs well with a fresh green salad and crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Cardi al Forno with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

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