Preparing fennel

Do you find it difficult to prepare fennel in a surprising way? That's not surprising at all. Fennel is a vegetable you might recognize from its beautiful, light green bulbs with feathery stems, but it's often overlooked for actual use in dishes. That's a shame, because fennel is a culinary chameleon, adapting to various flavors and textures. In this blog post, we delve into the world of fennel and teach you how to prepare this beautiful vegetable so you can surprise your guests with unique and flavorful dishes from now on.

What makes fennel special?

Fennel has a distinctive anise-like flavor that's more prominent than any other vegetable. This refreshing sweetness makes it a delightful addition to both savory and sweet dishes. And when you consider its many health benefits, such as promoting digestion and providing vital nutrients like vitamin C and fiber, you'll understand why fennel deserves a place on your menu.

How do you choose the best fennel?

When buying fennel, it's important to look for bulbs that feel firm and fleshy. They should be bright white, with no brown spots. The stems should be a fresh green, and the fronds shouldn't look wilted. This ensures you'll have fresh fennel in your hands, ready to shine in the kitchen.

Preparing fennel: the basics

To start preparing fennel, first wash the bulb thoroughly. Cut off the green stems, but reserve them, as they are perfect for garnishing or adding flavor to broths . Then, remove the bottom inch or any woody parts. Fennel can be cut in various ways, depending on what you intend to do with it: thinly slice it for a fresh salad, cube it for stir-fries, or halve it for grilling.

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Roasting in the oven

One of the easiest ways to prepare fennel is by roasting it. This mellows the anise flavor and develops a delicate sweetness. Cut the fennel into wedges or thick slices, place them on a baking sheet, and drizzle with olive oil, a little salt, and pepper. Roast them in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 25 to 30 minutes. The result is a delicious side dish that complements all kinds of main courses.

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Fennel in the pan

Want to get started quickly? Pan-frying fennel is quick and easy. Thinly slice the fennel and sauté it in a little olive oil with garlic, an onion, and a pinch of salt. The fennel becomes tender and slightly sweet, perfect as an addition to pasta or as a side dish with grilled meat or fish.

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Fennel in the salad

For a refreshing and crunchy addition to your salad, raw fennel is an excellent choice. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to thinly slice the fennel. Toss these with arugula, orange segments, toasted almonds, and a dressing of olive oil and lemon juice. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also offers a surprising flavor sensation thanks to the fennel's fresh and crunchy texture.

Soup and fennel

Fennel also makes a great base for soup . Its slightly sweet and aromatic qualities make it the perfect candidate for a creamy and flavorful soup. Sauté an onion with a little garlic in olive oil, add the chopped fennel, and sauté gently. Then pour in some vegetable stock and simmer until the fennel is tender. Puree everything until smooth, and season with salt, pepper, and a dash of cream for extra creaminess.

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Fennel and fish

Fennel and fish are natural allies in the kitchen. Try stuffing a whole fish with fennel slices and thin lemon slices before baking it in the oven. The fennel subtly perfumes the fish, creating a delicious and aromatic dish. This is simplicity at its finest, and with a few fresh herbs and a good olive oil, you can present a dish that not only tastes good but also looks beautiful.

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Put your creativity in fennel

The possibilities are endless when you want to experiment with fennel. Whether roasted, sautéed, raw in a salad, or pureed in a soup, fennel adapts effortlessly to your culinary desires. Experiment with your own combinations and discover why this versatile vegetable deserves a place in your kitchen repertoire. From now on, preparing fennel will be an adventure you'll look forward to every time! So the next time you're grocery shopping, don't forget those beautiful fennel bulbs and take your culinary skills to the next level.