Carciofi: Fun to say and wonderful to eat!

“Car-che-oh-fi.”

Such a wonderful word – and a wonderful part of Italian cuisine. Artichokes can be found all over Italy, but specifically in Rome where they appear on every menu.

This past January while in Rome I was walking down a small side street in Rome and came across a cart with a box of artichokes outside a restaurant. Each artichoke was beautiful and the rustic cart on the cobblestoned street created a sculptural moment with the box of magnificent vegetables piled high on top.

Generally carciofi are typically prepared one of two ways in Rome. Either Carciofi alla Romana or Carciofi alla Guidica. The Romana is braised with lemon, garlic and mint. The Guidica is deep fried and every bite is worth the guilt. Both are traditional peasant dishes dating back centuries, and each tells a story of Rome’s passion for food prepared simply. It’s the 21st century, and when I’m in Rome, I’ll always indulge in this beloved and beautiful vegetable – however it’s prepared!