Qaqoċċ Mimli (Maltese Stuffed Artichokes)
Local name: Qaqoċċ mimli
In short: Globe artichokes stuffed with a garlicky mix of breadcrumbs, anchovies, capers, olives and cheese, then simmered in olive oil and water. It takes about 1 h 30 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Total
- 1 h 30 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 330 kcal
Qaqoċċ mimli are stuffed artichokes, a spring dish in Malta when the local purple artichokes appear. The leaves are opened up and packed with breadcrumbs, anchovy, capers, olives, garlic and parsley, then the artichokes steam upright in a pot with olive oil and water until tender. You pull off the leaves one at a time and scrape the stuffing and soft flesh with your teeth. They are good warm or at room temperature.
Instructions
- Fill a large bowl with cold water and squeeze in one lemon half. Trim the artichoke stems to 2 cm (3/4 in), snap off the tough outer leaves and cut off the top third of each artichoke. Rub the cut surfaces with the other lemon half and keep the artichokes in the lemon water.
- Gently spread the leaves open and scoop out the fuzzy choke from the center with a teaspoon.
- Mix the breadcrumbs, anchovies, capers, olives, garlic, parsley, cheese, 3 tablespoons of oil and the pepper into a moist crumble.
- Press the stuffing into the center of each artichoke and between the outer leaves.
- Stand the artichokes snugly in a pot just large enough to hold them. Pour in the water and the 60 ml of oil and add the whole garlic cloves. Drizzle a little more oil over the tops.
- Cover, bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 40 to 50 minutes, until the base is tender when pierced with a knife and an outer leaf pulls away easily. Add a little water if the pot dries out.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, with the cooking juices spooned over.
Tips
- Artichokes discolor quickly, so rub the cut surfaces with lemon straight away. Small, tender artichokes can be cooked whole and need only about 30 minutes.
- Anchovies add all the salt the stuffing needs. If you leave them out, add extra capers and a pinch of salt.
Questions and answers
How do you eat stuffed artichokes?
Pull off the leaves one at a time and scrape the soft flesh and stuffing from the base of each leaf with your teeth. Discard the rest of the leaf, then cut and eat the heart with a fork.
Can I make stuffed artichokes ahead of time?
Yes. Cook them up to a day ahead and serve at room temperature, or reheat gently in their cooking juices.
Can I make them without anchovies?
Yes. Replace the anchovies with extra capers and olives, and add a pinch of salt to the stuffing.
How long does it take to make Qaqoċċ Mimli (Maltese Stuffed Artichokes)?
About 1 h 30 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Qaqoċċ Mimli (Maltese Stuffed Artichokes)?
About 330 kcal per serving, with 10 g of protein, 27 g of carbohydrates and 21 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 330 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
