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a dish of Greek Gourmet Artichoke Hearts with Bacon in Balsamic Vinegar

Gourmet Artichoke Hearts with Bacon in Balsamic Vinegar – Greek Recipe

This recipe combines the tender, nutty flavors of artichoke hearts with the smoky, savory taste of crispy bacon, all brought together by the sweet and tart balsamic reduction.
Perfect as a side dish or a fancy appetizer, this dish offers a tantalizing blend of textures and tastes that pay homage to traditional Greek cuisine while delighting the modern palate.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer, Meze
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4
Calories 166 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan for cooking the bacon and artichoke hearts; it should be large enough to accommodate all the ingredients and allow them to brown adequately.
  • Cutting board for preparing and chopping the artichoke hearts, bacon, garlic, and parsley.
  • Sharp Knife: for cleaning and cutting the artichokes and dicing the bacon and other ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: for accurately measuring broth, balsamic vinegar, oil, and spices.
  • Garlic Press (Optional): for mincing the garlic cloves; you can also finely chop with a knife.
  • Tongs or Slotted Spoon: for turning the artichokes and bacon as they cook; helps remove the bacon once it's crispy.
  • Paper towels for draining excess grease from the cooked bacon.
  • Lemon (if using fresh artichokes) a bowl of water with lemon juice can prevent artichoke hearts from browning.
  • Aluminum foil or lid for covering the skillet if you want to simmer the artichokes.
  • Serving Platter: for presenting the finished dish garnished with fresh parsley.

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 4 slices bacon cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 pound artichoke hearts fresh (cleaned and quartered) or canned (drained)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preparing the Ingredients

  • If using fresh artichokes, fill a bowl with water and squeeze the juice of one lemon into it. Clean and quarter the artichoke hearts, immediately placing them into the lemon water to prevent browning.
  • On the cutting board, use the sharp knife to cut the bacon into 1-inch pieces.
  • Mince the garlic cloves with a garlic press or chop them finely with the knife.
  • Wash and chop the fresh parsley for the garnish.

Cooking the Dish

  • Heat the olive oil in the large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook, occasionally stirring with the tongs, until the bacon is crispy and browned. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
  • Use the tongs to remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain. Leave the bacon fat in the skillet for flavoring the artichokes.
  • If using fresh artichokes, drain them from the lemon water and pat them dry. If using canned, just ensure they are well drained and patted dry.
  • In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the artichoke hearts. Sauté them for about 5 minutes or until they start to brown.
  • Add the minced garlic to the artichokes, and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, making sure the garlic does not burn.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar. Allow it to come to a boil, and then reduce the heat to let it simmer. If necessary, cover the skillet with aluminum foil or a lid to keep the steam in and cook until the artichokes are tender and the liquid has reduced to a glaze, about 15-20 minutes. 11. Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet, and season the dish with salt and pepper. Give everything a good mix to ensure the bacon and artichokes are well-coated with the glaze.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Garnishing and Serving

  • Transfer the artichoke hearts and bacon to the serving platter, pouring any remaining glaze over the top.
  • Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish as a garnish.
  • Serve warm and enjoy your Gourmet Artichoke Hearts with Bacon and Balsamic Vinegar!

Notes

Remember, when using a sharp knife and hot pans, always be careful to avoid any cuts or burns. Enjoy cooking and savor the delicious flavors of this Greek-inspired dish!

Nutrition

Calories: 166kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 5gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 1294mgPotassium: 93mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword Artichoke hearts, Bacon, Balsamic Viniger, Moderate
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