Artichoke Gratin from Tinos

In the mineral-rich soils of the Komis Plain, in the prefecture of Exomvourgo, on the eastern side of Tinos, the island’s tiny, firm, complex-flavored artichoke flourishes. Local authorities organize a local artichoke festival every year. Artisans make pickled or olive oil-preserved artichokes, and taverna cooks created a kind of flan with the artichoke and bread, called it a pita—the Greek work for pie—and started a local trend. This is now a dish found in most of the tavernas on the island. To find the Greek olive oil and Greek cheese used in this dish, click here.

RATING

SERVES

PREP TIME

15 min

COOK TIME

55 min

RECIPES

Aegean Islands

Main Courses

Meze / Starters

Vegetables

Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Ingredients

6 tablespoons/85 g unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups/720 ml warm milk
Salt and pepper
Dash of grated nutmeg
1/4 cup/60 ml extra-virgin Greek olive oil
2 large red onions very finely chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
1 pound/450 g country bread crusts removed, cut into 3/4-inch/1.8-cm slices
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
Salt and pepper
12 small fresh or frozen defrosted artichoke hearts
1 1/2 cups/600 g grated graviera cheesegrated graviera cheese

Instructions

In a medium-sized sauce pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter until bubbly. Add the flour and whisk for about 5 minutes, until it turns lightly golden. Pour in the milk and whisk continuously over medium heat until the béchamel thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste and nutmeg. Remove, cover with a cloth, and set aside.
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a rolling boil and blanch the artichoke hearts for about 3 to 4 minutes, until soft. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. When cool enough to handle, roughly chop the artichokes.
In a medium, heavy skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining butter and cook the onion until wilted and lightly colored, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and stir all together for about 1 minute.
Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C. Butter 13x9x2-inch/32x22x5-cm baking dish.
Place as many slices of bread as will fit in one layer in the buttered baking dish. Spoon half the onions evenly over the bread. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of cheese, a little thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread half the artichokes over the onions and sprinkle with half the remaining cheese. Gently press remaining bread slices over the artichokes, in one layer. Spread the onions, herbs, artichokes, and cheese in the same order, finishing with a layer of artichokes and cheese. Pour the béchamel over the top spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven until the béchamel is set and golden. Remove, cool slightly, and serve.