Artichoke with minced meat in tomato sauce baked, served with a side of rice

Stuffed Artichokes with Ground Meat in Tomato Sauce, Served with Rice Garnish

*Discover a delicious and healthy recipe that combines the rich flavors of artichokes with a juicy ground meat filling, all enveloped in tomato sauce. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of elegance to your table. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, stuffed artichokes are an inspired choice that will impress everyone.*

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For Artichokes:
- 10 artichokes (fresh or frozen)
- Juice of one large lemon
- 5-6 tablespoons of vinegar
- Salt

For Filling:
- ½ kg ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 500 ml tomato juice (fresh or canned)
- Oil for frying artichokes
- 100 g butter
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Pepper and salt to taste

For Rice Garnish:
1. Grain by Grain Rice:
- 400 g rice
- 5-6 tablespoons of vermicelli
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon vegeta
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- Boiling water for rice

2. Basmati Rice:
- 500 g basmati rice
- 1 tablespoon vegeta or spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- Salt to taste
- 30 ml olive oil
- Boiling water

Preparation

Preparing the Artichokes
1. Cleaning the Artichokes: Start by preparing a bowl of cold water mixed with lemon juice, vinegar, and salt. This will prevent the artichokes from oxidizing. Using protective gloves, clean each artichoke, removing the tough outer leaves. Leave 2-3 cm of the stem, but clean it well from the outer layer.
2. Soaking: After cleaning the artichoke, immediately place it in the acidulated water to prevent discoloration. Let them soak for 15 minutes.
3. Frying: Drain the artichoke and dry it with paper towels. In a pan, heat the oil and fry the artichokes on both sides until golden. Then, place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Preparing the Filling
4. Sautéing the Onion: In a pot, melt the butter and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
5. Cooking the Meat: Add the ground meat to the pot and mix well. Cook until the meat is fully cooked, then season with allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
6. Tomato Sauce: Once the meat is cooked, remove it to a plate, leaving 3-4 tablespoons of the meat juice in the pot. Add the tomato sauce and let it simmer until thickened.

Assembling and Baking
7. Filling the Artichokes: Using a spoon, fill each artichoke with the meat mixture. Place them in a baking dish.
8. Adding the Sauce: Take the thickened sauce and pour it over the artichokes, adding some of the remaining sauce between them. Save the rest of the sauce for serving.
9. Baking: Add 1/2 cup of water to the dish and cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the oven at 180°C for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and let them brown for 5 minutes.

Preparing the Rice Garnish
10. Grain by Grain Rice: Wash the rice in 2-3 waters, let it soak for 15 minutes, then drain. In a pot, heat the oil and add the vermicelli, lightly frying it. Add the drained rice, vegeta, cardamom, and stir for 1 minute. Add boiling water, cover, and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
11. Basmati Rice: Wash the basmati rice and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. Drain it, then sauté it in olive oil. Add vegeta, cardamom, salt, and water (1 ¼ cup for each cup of rice). Cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes.

Serving
Arrange the artichokes on plates alongside the rice garnish and drizzle with the remaining sauce. This combination of flavors and textures will not only delight but also provide a healthy and vibrant meal. You can serve it alongside a fresh salad or a refreshing drink to complete the culinary experience.

Nutritional Benefits
Artichokes are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, positively impacting digestive health. Ground meat provides essential proteins, while rice offers complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen artichokes? Yes, frozen artichokes are just as delicious. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.
2. What other garnishes can I use? This recipe pairs well with a fresh vegetable salad or mashed potatoes.
3. How can I store leftovers? You can store the stuffed artichokes in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and they are delicious cold.

Variant Suggestions
For a more exotic flavor, you can add some olives or aromatic herbs like dill or parsley to the meat filling. Also, experiment with various types of sauces to add an extra layer of flavor.

*Try this stuffed artichoke recipe and let yourself be carried away by its rich flavors and delicate texture. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy every moment spent at the table!*