Creamy Gratin Artichokes with Pecan Crust
Indulge in these Creamy Gratin Artichokes with Pecan Crust, a delectable vegetable side dish inspired by the South Beach Diet's 'Daily Dish' (Phase 1). These artichokes, topped with a rich and flavorful mixture of ground pecans and parmesan cheese, are baked to perfection, offering a delightful combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors. Using convenient frozen artichoke hearts makes this recipe not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making it a fantastic addition to any dinner table.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen artichoke hearts
2 (9-ounce) packages (Thawed and rinsed)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Ground pecans
3 tablespoons (Fine grind)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (Grated)
Dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (Crushed)
Garlic clove
1 (Minced)
Extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously coat a 9-inch glass pie plate with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
Take the frozen artichoke hearts and place them in a colander. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to help separate them, then drain well. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3
Arrange the rinsed artichokes in the prepared pie plate, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Drizzle the lemon juice over the top to add a zesty flavor.
4
In a separate small bowl, mix together the ground pecans, grated Parmesan cheese, crushed Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and extra virgin olive oil until well combined.
5
Spread the pecan mixture evenly over the artichokes, ensuring every bite will be packed with flavor.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the topping turns a delightful golden brown and the artichokes are heated through. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish of this recipe?
The main dish is Creamy Gratin Artichokes with Pecan Crust, a savory vegetable side dish.
Is this recipe compatible with the South Beach Diet?
Yes, it is inspired by the South Beach Diet 'Daily Dish' and is suitable for Phase 1.
Which phase of the South Beach Diet does this fit?
This recipe is appropriate for Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet.
Can I use fresh artichokes instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh artichoke hearts, but they must be trimmed and cooked until tender before proceeding with the gratin steps.
How do I prepare the frozen artichoke hearts?
Rinse them under cold water in a colander to separate them, drain well, and pat them dry with paper towels.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long does it take to bake the artichoke gratin?
It takes approximately 15 minutes in the oven.
What are the ingredients in the pecan crust?
The crust consists of ground pecans, grated Parmesan cheese, crushed Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.
Can I substitute walnuts for the pecans?
Yes, ground walnuts or even almonds can be used as a substitute for the pecans in the crust.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, since it uses ground pecans instead of breadcrumbs for the topping, it is naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9-inch glass pie plate is recommended for this recipe.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, generously coat the pie plate with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice is preferred for flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice in this recipe?
The lemon juice adds a zesty flavor and helps brighten the taste of the artichokes.
Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano can be used for a sharper flavor, or nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free alternative.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan alternative.
How do I 'crush' the Italian seasoning?
You can crush dried Italian seasoning by rubbing it between your palms to release its aromatic oils.
What type of olive oil is best for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor in the pecan topping.
How do I know when the gratin is finished baking?
The dish is done when the topping turns a golden brown and the artichokes are heated through.
Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain the crust's texture.
Is this considered a main course or a side dish?
It is primarily designed as a vegetable side dish.
Can I add more garlic to the recipe?
Absolutely, you can increase the amount of minced garlic if you prefer a more intense garlic flavor.
What if I do not have a glass pie plate?
Any oven-safe ceramic or metal baking dish of a similar size will work.
Is it necessary to pat the artichokes dry?
Yes, drying them prevents the dish from becoming watery and ensures the topping stays crisp.
Can I use canned artichoke hearts instead?
Yes, but ensure they are thoroughly rinsed and dried, as canned artichokes are often packed in brine or vinegar.
Is this recipe considered low-carb?
Yes, the ingredients are low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets.
Can I add breadcrumbs to the topping?
You can, but it will no longer be Phase 1 compliant for the South Beach Diet or gluten-free.
How finely should the pecans be ground?
The pecans should be a fine grind to ensure they mix well with the cheese and spices to form a crust.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, with its healthy fats from pecans and olive oil and low carb count, it is very keto-friendly.