Carciofi Con Guganciale (Artichokes With Bacon)

Servings: 6 Difficulty: Advanced
A classic Roman dish featuring tender artichokes pan-fried with crispy guanciale
Carciofi Con Guganciale (Artichokes With Bacon recipe image

This classic Roman dish, Carciofi alla Romana, transforms humble artichokes into a luxurious meal. The key is using guanciale, cured pork cheek, which renders its rich, savory fat to gently cook the artichoke hearts until they are tender and infused with flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon adds a bright, acidic counterpoint to the richness of the pork. It’s an elegant yet simple side dish or light main course that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over pasta. Perfect for spring dinners or when you want to bring authentic Italian flavors to your table.

Carciofi Con Guganciale (Artichokes With Bacon)

Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 6 Calories: 145.2

Description

This classic Roman dish, Carciofi alla Romana, transforms humble artichokes into a luxurious meal. The key is using guanciale, cured pork cheek, which renders its rich, savory fat to gently cook the artichoke hearts until they are tender and infused with flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon adds a bright, acidic counterpoint to the richness of the pork. It&# 226;ÂÂs an elegant yet simple side dish or light main course that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over pasta. Perfect for spring dinners or when you want to bring authentic Italian flavors to your table.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Trim the artichokes by removing the tough outer leaves, chopping off the stem, and shaving the bottom.
  2. Cut the artichokes in half lengthwise and scoop out the choke (fuzzy center) with a spoon.
  3. Place cut artichokes in a large bowl of water mixed with the juice of half the lemon to prevent browning.
  4. Cut the guanciale into small cubes or thin strips.
  5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the guanciale.
  6. Cook the guanciale until the fat has rendered and the meat is crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Remove the crispy guanciale with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  8. Drain the artichokes and pat them dry with paper towels.
  9. Place the artichokes cut-side down in the hot guanciale fat in the skillet.
  10. Cook over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly golden.
  11. Add a splash of water to the pan and cover to steam the artichokes until fork-tender, about 5 minutes.
  12. Remove the lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
  13. Transfer the cooked artichokes to a serving platter.
  14. Top with the reserved crispy guanciale.
  15. Squeeze the remaining half of the lemon over the top just before serving.
  16. Season with freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 145.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.6g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 240.3mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 31.9g11%
Dietary Fiber 16.6g67%
Sugars 1.3g
Protein 10.1g21%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: artichokes, guanciale, italian, roman, carciofi, pork, lemon, side dish, spring, vegetarian alternative, pan-fried, traditional, easy, dinner, gourmet, mediterranean, comfort food, healthy, low carb, keto friendly
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