These Stir-Fried Artichoke Pitas are a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings together the rich flavors of artichokes, sweet peppers, and creamy feta cheese. With a quick stir-fry of pantry staples, you can create a meal that feels like a vacation on a plate, packed with vibrant flavors and textures. Whether for lunch, a light dinner, or a quick snack, these pitas are sure to satisfy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is simple yet bursting with Mediterranean goodness. The artichokes are sautéed to golden perfection, paired with tender peppers and onions, then finished with creamy feta and fresh parsley. The warm, soft whole wheat pitas are the perfect vessel for this flavorful filling. The combination of savory artichokes, sweet peppers, and tangy feta makes each bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s quick to prepare—just 22 minutes from start to finish!
Ingredients
-
For the Stir-Fry:
-
2 cups canned artichoke hearts, drained and quartered (water-packed work best)
-
1 red bell pepper, sliced
-
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
-
2 tbsp olive oil (use high-quality for best flavor)
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp dried oregano
-
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
-
-
For Assembling the Pitas:
-
4 whole wheat pitas
-
½ cup crumbled feta cheese (deli counter feta is highly recommended)
-
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
-
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
-
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant and golden—be careful not to burn it.
-
Add the sliced red bell pepper and red onion to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften but still have a bit of crunch. You want them tender but not mushy.
2. Stir in the Artichokes:
-
Stir in the artichoke hearts, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the artichokes get slightly golden and crispy around the edges.
3. Warm the Pitas:
-
While the artichoke mixture cooks, warm the pitas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or toast them in a toaster oven. Warm pitas are more pliable and won’t crack when filling.
4. Assemble the Pitas:
-
Once the artichoke mixture is ready, fill each warm pita with the stir-fried artichokes, peppers, and onions. Top with crumbled feta cheese and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
5. Serve:
-
Serve the pitas immediately while they’re warm. Enjoy as a quick lunch or dinner!
Notes:
-
Don’t Overcook the Artichokes: They’re already tender from the can, so just warm them through for the best texture.
-
Warm Pitas are Essential: Warm pitas are more pliable and give the dish a fresher, tastier finish.
-
Adjust the Seasoning: Every brand of oregano is different, so taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Storage Tips:
-
Leftovers: The artichoke mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and is also great served cold.
-
Pitas: Do not assemble the pitas ahead of time, as the filling can make them soggy.
-
Reheating: Reheat the artichoke mixture gently in a skillet. Microwaving can make it watery.
Serving Suggestions:
-
Light Lunch: Serve with fresh fruit for a well-rounded, light lunch.
-
Dinner Option: Bulk it up with white beans for a more filling meal.
-
Mediterranean Meal: Pair with a side of Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Mix It Up:
-
Fresh Tomatoes: Add diced fresh tomatoes in the last minute of cooking for a summer burst of flavor.
-
Olives: Throw in some Kalamata olives for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
-
Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese instead of feta for a different, creamy flavor.
-
Crunchy Addition: Add toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and richness.
Conclusion
These Stir-Fried Artichoke Pitas are the perfect way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors in a quick, easy-to-make meal. The savory, tender artichokes and the sweet, crisp peppers paired with creamy feta create a delightful combination, all wrapped in soft whole wheat pitas. Whether you enjoy them as a light lunch or dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired dish any time you crave something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying!
