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Vegetables

What is fennel?

Fennel is a perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has a bulbous base, feathery leaves, and yellow flowers. The bulb, leaves, and seeds of the fennel plant are all edible and have a distinct licorice or anise flavor. Fennel is often used in cooking, particularly in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. It can be eaten raw or cooked and is commonly used in salads, soups, stews, and fish dishes. The seeds of the fennel plant are also used as a spice and have a strong, distinct flavor.

How do you cook fennel?

Fennel can be cooked in a variety of ways to bring out its unique licorice or anise flavor. Some popular cooking methods include:

  • Roasting: Cut the fennel bulb into wedges, toss with olive oil and seasonings, and roast in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes.
  • Sautéing: Cut the fennel bulb into thin slices, sauté in a pan with olive oil and seasonings over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
  • Braising: Cut the fennel bulb into wedges, braise in a mixture of chicken or vegetable broth, white wine, and seasonings for 20-25 minutes.
  • Grilling: Cut the fennel bulb into wedges, brush with olive oil and seasonings, and grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side.
  • Steaming: Cut the fennel bulb into wedges, steam for 8-10 minutes.

Fennel leaves can also be chopped and added to salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes for a burst of flavor. Fennel seeds can be used as a spice and can be added to rubs for meats or sprinkled on vegetables or salads for a unique flavor.

It is important to note that some people may find fennel’s licorice flavor quite strong, so you may want to start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.

What are some good dishes that use fennel?

Fennel is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes to add a unique licorice or anise flavor. Some popular dishes that use fennel include:

  • Fennel and orange salad: Thinly slice fennel bulb and mix with orange segments, arugula and a vinaigrette.
  • Fennel and tomato soup: Sauté chopped fennel bulb in olive oil, add canned tomatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, and seasonings. Simmer for 20-30 minutes and puree.
  • Fennel and fish: Cut fennel bulb into wedges and place on a baking sheet, top with fish filets, lemon juice, white wine, and seasonings. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
  • Fennel and sausage: Cut fennel bulb into wedges and brown with sausage links in a pan. Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes.
  • Fennel and pork: Cut fennel bulb into wedges and place on a baking sheet, top with pork tenderloin, olive oil, garlic, and seasonings. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
  • Fennel and pasta: Cut fennel bulb into thin slices and sauté with garlic and red pepper flakes. Toss with cooked pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
  • Fennel slaw: Shred fennel bulb and combine with shredded carrots, sliced red onion, a mayo-based dressing, and seasonings.

These are only a few examples, but fennel can be paired with a wide variety of ingredients, such as seafood, poultry, beef, and vegetarian dishes.

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