Sunday, March 27, 2011

The Fennel Club



Roasted Fennel

If you have yet to try fennel, this is an excellent way to enjoy its' sweet, nutty flavor. Fennel is readily available year-round, but its' unique flavor is especially welcome during spring months. Make sure to rinse well with cold water and remove their unmistakably flamboyant stalks and fronds before use.

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

2 large fennel bulbs, cored and quartered, then sliced into 1/2" strips
1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed (add more if using plain olive oil)
3 tbsp herb infused olive oil
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 tsp coarse sea salt

Note: I highly reccomend using Tuscan Herb Olive Oil from LeRoux.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss fennel strips, garlic and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast fennel, tossing occasionally, til golden and slightly caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. Fennel should be cooked, but still have a bit of texture to it.

Serve alongside pan-seared scallops or atop pork chops. Enjoy!