Baked Cardoons: Cardi al Forno

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. 2

   Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil, add 2 tablespoons salt and lemon juice.

3. 3

   Remove the cardoons from the acidulated water, rinse and cook in the boiling water until tender but not fully cooked, about 30 minutes.

4. 4

   Drain well and dry on paper towels.

5. 5

   Dredge each cardoon in the flour, then the eggs.

6. 6

   In a 14-inch saute pan, heat about 1/2 cup of oil over high heat until almost smoking.

7. 7

   Fry the cardoon pieces in the oil until golden brown, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

8. 8

   Drain the cardoons on a plate lined with paper towels.

9. 9

   Season with salt and pepper.

10. 10

    Meanwhile, heat the tomato sauce in a small saucepan until bubbling.

11. 11

    When all cardoons are cooked, place in a casserole with the hot sauce and the grated cheese.

12. 12

    Distribute the butter evenly across the top of the dish and bake in the oven 15 minutes.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

No additional tips available.