Stuffed Artichokes

Description
Tangy sun-dried tomatoes add flair to a stuffing flavored with garlic, celery, onion, oregano, parsley and thyme. Try using sprouted spelt bread in this delicious stuffing that pairs perfectly with the distinctive flavor of artichoke.
 * Contributed by Healthy Recipes for Diabetic Friends Y-Group
 * Original recipe
 * Serves 8 as a side or 15 as an appetizer

Ingredients

 * 2 fresh artichokes
 * 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
 * 1 clove garlic, minced
 * 1 cup celery, diced
 * 1 medium onion, chopped
 * 1 teaspoon dried oregano
 * 1 teaspoon dried parsley
 * 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
 * 5 sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil
 * 4 cups cubed spelt or other whole grain bread (cut into ½ inch cubes)
 * ½ cup vegetable broth
 * sea salt, to taste
 * ground pepper, to taste

Directions

 * 1) Rinse artichokes, cut off bottom stem, and, if desired, snip sharp edges off leaves.
 * 2) Place standing up and cover about 2 to 3 inches of the bottom with water.
 * 3) Bring water to a boil then reduce to simmer.
 * 4) Cover and cook artichokes until leaves are tender, about 45 minutes.
 * 5) While artichokes cook, prepare stuffing.
 * 6) Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
 * 7) Sauté the garlic, celery, onion, oregano, parsley, thyme and sun-dried tomatoes for 15 minutes.
 * 8) Add the cubed bread and toss very well to coat.
 * 9) Add vegetable broth and salt and pepper to taste.
 * 10) Stuffing should be moist but not mushy.
 * 11) Add a little more broth if needed.
 * 12) Preheat oven to 350°F.
 * 13) Carefully spoon a little stuffing onto the leaves of the artichokes.
 * 14) Place upright in a baking dish.
 * 15) Bake for 20 minutes or until piping hot.
 * 16) Serve with a spoon to scoop on any stuffing that falls as you pull out the leaves.

Nutritional information
Per serving (Serves 8 as a side / 103g-wt.):
 * 110 calories (45 from fat) | 5g total fat | 0.5g saturated fat | 4g protein | 16g total carbohydrate (4g dietary fiber, 6g sugar) | 0mg cholesterol | 330mg sodium

Per serving (15 servings as an appetizer / 55g-wt.):
 * 60 calories (25 from fat) | 2.5g total fat | 0g saturated fat | 2g protein | 9g total carbohydrate (2g dietary fiber, 3g sugar) | 0mg cholesterol | 180mg sodium