Egg and Cheese Stuffed Artichoke

To make the stuffed artichokes with eggs and cheese, first clean the artichokes: remove the stem 1, discard the outer leaves 2, and round the base, then cut off the tips 3.

Finally, open the artichoke into a flower shape and remove the choke with a scooper 4. Blanch the whole artichokes in salted and acidulated boiling water for 8 minutes 5, then drain them and let them dry upside down on a clean cloth 6.

In the meantime, prepare the filling: cut the bread into cubes and transfer it to a mixer, then add the thyme 7 and salt 8. Blend coarsely 9.

In another bowl, pour the eggs, the grated Pecorino cheese 10 and the provolone cheese that you have previously grated with a coarse grater 11; set aside a handful of provolone for the next step in the oven. Add salt, pepper, and mix everything with a fork 12.

At this point, gradually add the seasoned bread crumbs 13; adjust the amount based on the bread's absorption level and mix until you get a soft and compact mixture 14. In a pan (preferably oven-safe), heat a drizzle of oil with unpeeled garlic cloves and some thyme sprigs 15.

Place the artichokes in the pan with the cut side down and the petals well spread 16. Let them season for a few minutes, then turn off the heat, flip them, and let them cool 17. Once cooled, generously stuff the inside of the artichokes with the filling, pressing it well 18.

Round the shape of the stuffed artichokes with your hands to compact them 19, then place them back in the pan (or transfer them to a baking dish). Sprinkle the surface with the reserved provolone 20 and bake in a preheated static oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes. When they are nicely golden on the surface, remove from the oven 21 and garnish your stuffed artichokes with eggs and cheese with a grind of pepper and a few thyme leaves!