Cardi al Forno with Parmesan Crust

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) cardoons 2 pounds (900g) cardoons
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

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.