Braised Fennel with Herbs

Ingredients

• 4 fennel bulbs, trimmed and halved lengthwise 4 fennel bulbs, trimmed and halved lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 14g, 7g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Place the fennel bulbs, cut side down, in the skillet and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
4. 4.
   Flip the fennel bulbs and add the vegetable broth, thyme, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.
5. 5.
   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the fennel is tender and caramelized.
6. 6.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fennel bulbs — Make sure to trim the fennel bulbs properly, removing any tough outer layers. Halving them lengthwise allows for even cooking and better absorption of flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the broth before baking.
• If you prefer a softer texture, you can braise the fennel for an additional 5-10 minutes.
• Serve the braised fennel with a sprinkle of lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
• Experiment with different herb combinations such as rosemary and tarragon for a unique flavor profile.
• Leftovers can be enjoyed cold in salads or sandwiches.

Serving advice

Serve the Braised Fennel with Herbs as a side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled fish. It pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Arrange the caramelized fennel bulbs on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top for a glossy finish.