Spaghetti with Artichoke Hearts

Spaghetti with artichoke hearts is a light and tasty dish, perfect for lovers of this spring vegetable. Here is the recipe to prepare this dish.

Ingredients

• 320 g spaghetti
• 6 artichoke hearts (can be fresh, frozen or preserved in oil)
• 2 garlic cloves
• Fresh parsley to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan (optional)
• Lemon juice (if using fresh artichokes)

Preparation

1. If using fresh artichokes, clean them by removing the tough outer leaves, tips and inner fuzz, then slice them thinly and place in water with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Cook the spaghetti in plenty of salted water according to the package instructions for al dente texture.
3. Meanwhile, in a large pan, heat extra virgin olive oil and sauté the garlic cloves until golden. If desired, remove them once golden or leave them as preferred.
4. Add the artichoke hearts to the pan and cook for about 5-10 minutes if fresh, or until nicely golden if frozen or preserved in oil. Add a little water if needed to prevent sticking.
5. Season with salt and pepper and add chopped fresh parsley.
6. Drain the al dente spaghetti and transfer to the pan with the artichokes. Mix well to coat the pasta.
7. Serve hot and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan over the spaghetti.

Trivia

Artichokes are a vegetable with a long history and are highly appreciated in Mediterranean cuisine for their delicate, slightly bitter flavor. In Italy, they are very common and used in various preparations, from salads to side dishes, right up to first courses like this one. They pair perfectly with simple dishes where their unique flavor can shine through.

Remember that using fresh artichokes will yield a more delicate result, while those in oil will give the dish a more intense and slightly sweet taste. Happy cooking and buon appetito!