Fried Cardone, Sicilian Style

Cardone (car-doan-ee) might look like celery, but it’s actually a cousin of the artichoke.

Cardone, a favorite of Italians and Sicilians, should not be eaten raw; it’s often peeled, diced steamed or fried. When prepared, it’s tender with a unique, robust flavor that’s nutty & earthy…like an artichoke.

Carmelo Sigona with Cardone
Carmelo Sigona with Cardone

Try it, you’ll like it! Here’s a quick recipe you’ll enjoy. This recipe is a great addition to any holiday feast!

You can cardone or bake it. Stay tuned for an air fryer recipe, too!

Fried Cardone, Sicilian Style

Try it, you'll like it! This is a favorite food in our Sicilian family. Cardone is a cousin of the artichoke. We love it! Here is a quick recipe you'll enjoy. It's a great addition to any holiday feast!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bunch Cardone
  • 4-5 medium eggs
  • All-purpose flour or Italian breadcrumbs for dredging
  • 1 Tbsp salt
  • Extra virgin olive oil or your choice of frying oil, for frying (at least 2 1/2 cups), less if baking

Instructions
 

  • Clean cardone stalks as you would celery. Remove the fibrous strings and trim the tops and bottoms.
  • Cut cardone in 3" long pieces.
  • Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add cardone and cook until soft and fork gender. Drain and set aside to cool.
  • Meanwhile, whisk eggs together in a large mixing bowl. Set aside. Sprinkle flour or breadcrumbs on a plate, set aside.
  • To fry: In a large skillet, add enough olive oil or frying oil of choice until it is at least an inch or 2 deep. Heat over medium to medium-high heat.
  • When cardone are cool, roll the pieces in flour and then dip in the egg batter. Add cardone to the skillet, working in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan (it will lower the temperature and make the fried cardone greasy). Fry until golden brown on both sides. Serve warm.
  • To bake: Place the breaded cardone on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake at 350F for about 10 minutes. Check the bottoms of the cardone at the 5 minute mark to determine if they need to be flipped (most of the time they don't). When ready, breadcrumbs will be golden brown.
Keyword Cardone
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