Sicilian > Appetizer

Provola dei Monti Sicari with Artichokes and Olives Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. Provola dei Monti Sicari cheese, sliced
- 2 large artichokes, trimmed and sliced
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Cheese slicer

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the sliced artichokes and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the chopped olives and oregano and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Arrange the sliced provola cheese on top of the artichoke mixture.
7. Cover the skillet and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
8. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
5. Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 18g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or provolone.
- If you don't have Kalamata olives, you can use any type of pitted black olives.
- Fresh oregano can be used in place of dried oregano.

Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the artichoke mixture.
- Top with sliced tomatoes before adding the cheese.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier dish.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to trim the artichokes properly to remove any tough outer leaves and the choke.
- Use a cheese slicer to get even slices of cheese.
- Cover the skillet while cooking the cheese to ensure it melts evenly.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve on a large platter with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top.

Garnishes:
Chopped fresh basil or thyme would be a nice addition.

Pairings:
This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.

Suggested side dishes:
A simple green salad or roasted vegetables would make a great side dish.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese isn't melting evenly, try covering the skillet with a lid to trap in the heat.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to properly clean and trim the artichokes to avoid any potential foodborne illness.

Food history:
Provola dei Monti Sicari is a traditional cheese from the Sicilian mountains.

Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory and slightly tangy from the olives, with a creamy and slightly smoky flavor from the melted cheese.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side salad.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Salty, Herbal, Earthy