Creamy Fennel Gratin

Ingredients

• 4 fennel bulbs, thinly sliced 4 fennel bulbs, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (470ml) milk 2 cups (470ml) milk
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. 3.
   Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
4. 4.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   In a baking dish, arrange a layer of sliced fennel. Pour a portion of the sauce over the fennel, ensuring it is evenly coated. Repeat the layers until all the fennel and sauce are used.
6. 6.
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fennel — When selecting fennel bulbs, choose ones that are firm and without any browning or soft spots. Trim off the stalks and fronds before slicing.
• Parmesan cheese — For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged grated cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispy golden crust, broil the gratin for a couple of minutes at the end of baking.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve the Creamy Fennel Gratin as a side dish with roasted meats or as a main course with a side salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Fennel Gratin hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a fresh green salad and crusty bread.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the gratin with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.