All About Fennel & How to Cook With It
If you ask Anthony Bourdain, shallots are one of the ingredients used more in the kitchen than in homes. And if you ask me, another of those ingredients is fennel. Fennel is one of the most underutilized vegetables I can think of, and it also happens to be one of my favorites.
You'll find it in many of my recipes, including:
- Braised Chilean Sea Bass
- Chicken Thighs with Sausage & Braised Fennel
- Braised Pork Chops with Fennel
- Shrimp with Fennel, Tomato & Pernod Sauce
What is Fennel?
Fennel, with its delicate fronds and bulbous base, is a culinary marvel that has been cherished for centuries. This aromatic herbaceous plant, scientifically known as Foeniculum vulgare, is not only celebrated for its unique flavor but also revered for its medicinal properties and cultural significance.
Native to the Mediterranean region, fennel has been cultivated and used since ancient times. The Greeks and Romans held it in high esteem, recognizing its culinary versatility and medicinal benefits. In ancient Greek mythology, fennel was associated with Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility, symbolizing regeneration and abundance.
One of the most distinctive features of fennel is its licorice-like flavor, which is derived from its aromatic compounds, predominantly anethole. The entire plant is edible, including the bulb, stalks, leaves, and seeds, each offering a unique taste and culinary application.
With its crisp texture and mild sweetness, the bulb is often sliced thinly and used raw in salads or roasted to bring out its natural caramelized flavors. The stalks can be chopped and added to soups and stocks or used as a natural skewer for grilling. Fennel seeds, with their warm and slightly sweet flavor, are a common ingredient in spice blends, bread, and desserts.
Medicinal and Cultural
Beyond its culinary uses, fennel is esteemed for its medicinal properties. Traditional medicine has long valued it for its digestive benefits, believed to alleviate indigestion, bloating, and gas. Fennel tea, brewed from the seeds, is a popular remedy for soothing stomach discomfort and promoting healthy digestion. Additionally, fennel is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to one's diet.
Culturally, fennel holds significance in various traditions and folklore. In some cultures, fennel symbolizes longevity, courage, and protection; in others, it is associated with purification and warding off evil spirits. In culinary traditions worldwide, fennel plays a prominent role, adding depth of flavor to dishes ranging from Italian sausages to Indian curries.
How Can Fennel Be Used at Home
When raw, fennel's texture is cold and crisp. Take advantage of this refreshing crispness by thinly slicing the bulb into salads or slaws.
When caramelized, fennel tastes almost like licorice candy, and it acts as a wonderful flavor base as part of a mirepoix, lending dishes an "I can't quite figure out what that flavor is, but man, is it good quality! Fennel is also very tasty on its own, sautéed or even grilled.
Fennel leaves can be chopped up and used to flavor any number of dishes, either hot or cold, much like you would use any other culinary herb. Use it in dishes featuring citrus or any dish that reminds you of spring.
Of course, fennel fronds also make a beautiful, feathery garnish for dishes containing fennel.
Fennel seeds are one of the primary spices in Italian sausage and are also frequently used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Fennel pollen is an ingredient almost exclusively used in fine-dining kitchens. (I'm not even sure where you would find it.) It has a very concentrated, musky-anise aroma and flavor.
A little goes a long way, but if you are a fan of fennel and can get your hands on some, mix some into a cream sauce or use it as part of a dry spice rub.
I really hope I am conveying how wonderful fennel is as an ingredient. If you already love it, here are some ideas for new ways to enjoy it. If you've not tried it yet, please give it a try.
If you do not like licorice, you might not want fennel to play a starring role on your dinner plate but do consider using it to build background flavor in a stew or a braise. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Cooking with Fennel
There are numerous ways to incorporate fennel into your culinary creations, each highlighting its unique flavor and versatility. Here are some popular methods for cooking with fennel:
- Roasting: Roasting fennel brings out its natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor. Slice the fennel bulb into wedges or rounds, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until caramelized and tender. Roasted fennel makes a delicious side dish or can be added to salads and grain bowls.
- Grilling: Fennel's sturdy texture makes it ideal for grilling. Slice the fennel bulb into thick wedges or rounds, brush with olive oil, and grill until charred and tender. Grilled fennel pairs beautifully with grilled meats and seafood or as a topping for pizzas and flatbreads.
- Braising: Braising fennel in a flavorful liquid, such as broth or wine, yields a tender and succulent result. Cut the fennel bulb into wedges or slices, then simmer in the liquid until soft and infused with flavor. Braised fennel can be served as a side dish or incorporated into pasta dishes, risotto, or stews.
- Raw: Fennel's crisp texture and mild sweetness make it a delightful addition to salads and slaws. Thinly slice the fennel bulb using a mandoline or sharp knife, then toss with citrus vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and other salad ingredients for a refreshing and vibrant dish.
- Sautéing: Sautéing fennel enhances its flavor while maintaining its crisp texture. Thinly slice the fennel bulb and sauté in olive oil or butter until golden brown and tender. Sautéed fennel can be served as a side dish, added to omelets or frittatas, or used as a topping for crostini or bruschetta.
- Soups and Stews: Fennel adds depth of flavor to soups and stews, particularly those with a Mediterranean or seafood focus. Slice or dice a fennel bulb to soups, chowders, or braises for a subtle anise-like note that complements other ingredients.
These are just a few ways to cook with fennel, but the possibilities are endless. Whether roasted, grilled, braised, or raw, fennel's unique flavor and versatility make it a prized ingredient in the kitchen.
📖 Recipe
Fennel Pollen Cream Sauce for Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 2 medium shallots minced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1½ teaspoons fennel pollen substitute ground fennel seed
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- 2 cups half and half
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
- Heat a wide sauce pan over medium-low heat. Add the fat and wait until the butter melts before adding the minced shallots and garlic.
- Season with a heavy pinch of salt and white pepper.
- Stir in the fennel pollen.
- Sweat shallot and garlic until softened and translucent but not browned.
- Whisk in the half and half and bring to a simmer. Do not let come to a full rolling boil, but reduce by ¼.
- Off the heat, stir in the Parmesan, a bit at a time until it is all melted. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Cook any short pasta (ziti, rigatoni, elbows, shells, etc) or filled pasta (tortellini, ravioli, etc) until done to your liking.
- Pour hot pasta into the sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve with some more grated Parmesan and maybe a sprinkling of chopped fennel frond.
📖 Recipe
Five Spice Powder
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
- 3 star anise pods
- 2 teaspoons fennel seed
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Toast all spices in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
- Spread spices out onto foil or parchment to cool. Don’t leave them in the pan, because they will continue to cook and burn.
- Once cool, grind spices in a spice grinder or bladed coffee grinder until it is as fine as you can get it.
- Store covered in a cool, dark cabinet. Exposure to light will decrease the shelf life.
📖 Recipe
Fennel and Jicama Slaw with Citrus Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 medium fennel bulb sliced very thin (use a mandoline, if you have one)
- 1 small jicama julienned
- ¼ cup chopped basil
- 2 tablespoons fennel frond
- 1 tablespoon chopped mint
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1½ teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Several drops of your favorite hot sauce to taste
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Combine the jicama, fennel, basil, fennel frond and mint in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together the citrus juices, honey, mustard, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Continue whisking and stream in the oil.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Toss the dressing with the slaw.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
📖 Recipe
Braised Fennel
Ingredients
- 2 medium fennel bulbs
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tablespoon fennel fronds chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup chicken stock homemade or low sodium
Instructions
- Trim fennel bulbs from stalks, reserving some fronds to chop for garnish. Cut bulbs lengthwise into ⅓-½ inch slices. Do not trim root end, so the slices stay together.
- Heat a sauté pan until hot. Add the oil and wait until the oil shimmers before adding the fennel.
- Season with some salt and pepper and sear fennel to caramelize, turning once. The fennel should be a rich golden brown.
- Add the wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
- When the wine has reduced to a syrup, add the chicken stock and put the lid on the pan.
- Braise over very low heat for about ten to fifteen minutes, or until the fennel is very tender.
- Before serving, garnish with chopped fennel fronds.
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Andrea
I roasted it first, then cooled and chopped it in my potato salad..it was a big hit! I love it!
Great technique Andrea, thanks for sharing. - RG
Maxine
I use a recipe I found on Rouxbe. Sauteed fennel with Parmesan and a little lemon juice....delicious! Thanks for this wonderful information.
Hi Maxine, You are welcome and I too am a big fan of Rouxbe.com. Thanks for mentioning it. - RG
Mike
I have used fennel pollen in many dishes. The flavor is robust and the smell delightful. I have yet to taste the rest of the plant sadly. However I am working at a company that collects and distributes the pollen as a cooking spice. That's how I started cooking with it.
Hi Mike, I hope you can share some of the ways you have been using fennel pollen in your cooking. And please try the rest of the plant some time. I think you will enjoy it. - RG
Linne Bruskewitz
hi I am growing the fennel. how will I know when it's ready to pick?
Hi Linne, you can harvest the bulbous stalk when they are about 3 inches in diameter. You don't pick them like you do carrots but cut the whole stalk just below the point where the individual stalks join. This usually takes 13 to 14 weeks. - RG
mary
I was challenged by two people that are opening an Italian venture, to make them a relish to serve with meat & cheese. I used fennel, as my main ingredient, along with others.
Sounds good, care to share with us? - RG
Hank
I don't use shallots or fennel because they are too expensive for what they are. Shallots are over $3 per pound for what a small mild onion.
The same thing with fennel. By the time you get down to just the bulb which for the most part is what you use, you pay $5-6 per pound. I can buy steak on sale for that.
Someday, I will see fennel on sale and will pick some up and experiment but I am in no hurry.
Hi Hank, I think if you look around you should be able to find it at a lower cost. Try your local farmers market if you have one near you. Also, although most recipes call for using just the bulb, the rest of the fennel can be used in stews, stocks and braises. - RG
Reluctant Gypsy
Fennel grows quickly and easily up to zone 5. I have bronze fennel potted. It is inexpensive to grown from seed or small plant from garden shop. Planting near other veggies will stunt their growth and /or make them taste odd. Fleas do not like it- plant around boarders or kennel. It is a perennial.
Susan
I use ground fennel as the main seasoning in crawfish risotto. It's exceptional!
Hi Susan, thanks for sharing. - RG
John H
Broil a red pepper, cut into slim strips, add S&P, and balsamic vinegar. Cut fennel bulb lengthwise, thinly and roast (or grill) until browned. Toss w/ peppers and enjoy! *Taken from a side dish I had @ the Beacon restaurant in NYC. Chef- Waldy Malouf
Sounds good - RG
Betty Cox
I discovered fennel one year when I tried the Joy of Cooking Bouillabaisse Recipe for Christmas Eve at a friends house. It was wonderful. Bought too much and used the remainder in vegetable soup a few days later. Being the frugal cook that I am threw in the fronds after chopping them and wished I had discovered how wonderful they were when making the Bouillabaisse! My next venture was to use fennel in southern cornbread stuffing rather than celery and the fronds instead of sage. Outstanding! Winter is on its way here in Alaska and will be making my vegetable soup tomorrow with fennel!
Hi Betty, thanks so much for sharing your comments. Your vegetable soup sounds delicious and I will have to make some myself this week. - RG
Mel Romero
I have been given a recipe for fennel that is simple to make, divine to taste and very refreshing.
Thinly slice one fennel bulb, and cut one orange in to cubes then toss together with a splash of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. A lovely Spring salad.
Hi Mel, sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing. - RG
Susan
I recently used fennel for the first time in a tomato-based sauce that I served with veal/pork meatballs. I'll admit that I'm not fond of the smell of raw fennel, but something wonderful happens to it when you start cooking it. The sauce is AMAZING. Better than the typical meat sauce I make.
Hi Susan, thanks for sharing this experience. I did something similar with my 10 year old daughter. I had her take a small bite of raw onion and you can imagine her reaction and then we caramelized some onion and she thought they tasted like candy. - RG
Steamy Delicious
For Thanksgiving and several times throughout the year I make Cranberry & Anise (Fennel) Compote. I cook my berries from scratch with thinly chopped fennel and add chopped walnut, chopped mandarin orange, cinnamon, ginger and other spices. I love it.
Sounds delicious! - RG
Pat
I have a recipe that calls for 2 large fennel bulbs. Cannot find it anywhere! I bought fennel seeds. How do I substitute?
Sorry to say you don't Pat. The seeds may give it a little fennel flavor but you won't get the texture and flavor from the seeds as you might the actual bulb. Can't believe you can't find fennel bulbs in your local supermarket. Most markets I've seen carry it. Good luck. - RG
Dawn Hutchinson
I just bought fennel for the first time, today. I'm trying a low carb diet, so, I wanted to try something different, and expand my list of things that I am allowed to enjoy! I'll be trying it tonight with pork chops- thank you for the recipes and ideas!
Kenneth Hill
I just heard of fennel. I took a recipe from the TLC (Kitchen Boss) for Stuffed Peppers.The recipe called for fennel. Found it at my local store. Smells great and the peppers were great. Can you use the stalks of the plant and how?
Hi Kenneth, sure you can use the stalks especially for vegetable stock. You can also remove the fibrous exterior, blanch them and use them in salads or stews. - RG
Tere said
Fennel Tea ...fragrant and delicious. Good for your digestion especially when your tummy is upset. I slow boil the whole fennel, except the seeds, strain and enjoy.
Susan
I have a sack of fennell seeds and was wondering what to do with them, as I read, I threw a few into my mouth with a fresh stick of gum. It tastes similar to black jack.
Janice
In the past year I have been trying some new and different produce (for me). The first time I used fennel I roasted it with a little olive oil and some seasoning. I thought it was very good, in fact, I have found that roasting seems to bring out extraordinary flavors in vegetables. Today I made a slaw with fennel, dried apricots, and sliced snow peas. I tasted it right after making it and I thought it tasted very fresh.
My question is; I only used the bulb and I was wondering if I could freeze the stalks and fronds to use later. Could you give me any information on this?
Hi Janice, great ideas for using fennel, thanks. You could freeze the stalks and use them for making stock but most recipes I read use the bulb, but I'm sure there are many styles of cooking that use the stalk and fronds. I'll look for some good ideas on how to use them and invite others to join in on the conversation. - RG
Gina
Here's how I get my fennel fix: Sopressata salami, fennel seeds and Kraft grated Parmesan. Don't use "real" parm, it won't work. Lay out a few slices of salami on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle generously with fennel seeds. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan. Bake a 450 for about 5 minutes, watching carefully. I like to roll them up a little to keep my fingers clean. Intense fennel taste and these crisp up quite a bit as they cool.
Sound good Gina. I am a huge fan of Sopressata. Why won't real grated Parmesan work? - RG
Gina
I'm not sure. I used Parmesan from a block and grated it myself. It didn't crisp up or brown in the oven and the mouth feel was a bit slimy. The pre-grated kind was more "crumby", crispy and delicious.
That's interesting Gina, I will have to experiment with the two. - RG
LG
I used Fennel the very first time a few days ago and I can tell you I am a fan. This is how I used it. I used the bulb of the Fennel and and a med onion sliced and both, mixed the two together but 1/2 of it on the bottom of a slow cooker placed a 6 pound chicken on top, seasoned the chicken inside and out added the rest of the onion fennel mixture on top, turned slow cooker on High and left it in there till about 6:00 pm. I started it at. 8:00am This was the best tasting chicken I have tried in my slow cooker. I hope someone tries it. Enjoy
I know I will LG. Thanks for sharing. - RG
David Francis
Hi All,
Hope this is of help. As a singleton,I like to do batch preparation and freezing. Easy to get good veg during busy week. Buy required quantity of fennel,leeks and greens/cabbage. Chop it all,wash well,mix well,place mix into carrier bags and freeze.
When required,take handfuls of mix and place into kidded pan with large knob of butter,sweat for 10 miins lid on until tender. If wish for stronger fennel taste add some seeds. Trust me It's gorgeous,easy,cheap and nutritious.
Bill
COOKED, GROUND Fennel SEED Flavor Loss
I and members of my family have long been fans of fennel. However, I'm wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience with GROUND fennel SEED.
When adding ground fennel seed to dishes, it has a pungent aroma before cooking. But after cooking it, there is no flavor benefit. It seems to me that ground fennel seed is much like fresh basil, that if cooked too long, or at too high of a temperature, it loses all it's flavor, and is worthless.
I've purchased ground fennel seed from various suppliers, I've ground fennel seed myself, I've stored it at room temperature, I've stored it in the freezer. The results are the same. (Cooking with whole or slightly crushed fennel seed works well - the flavor stands up).
RG: Have you had any experience with this? And if so, would there be a similar cooking experience with ground anise or fennel pollen? Neither of which I've tried.
nancy
Can I use raw fennel (root stalk and leaves) with other vegetables to make fresh juice?
Good question. I'm not sure but according to The Juice Nut at http://www.thejuicenut.com/fennel_juice_the_juice_nut.aspx , the entire plant can be used. Check out her site for more tips on juicing fennel. - RG
Sally
I'm going to try it fresh/raw in salad with Napa cabbage, bok choy, green onions and the almond/ramen mix garnished with black sesame seeds. I wish I knew if it would taste good with diced dried apricots. I'll try some to see. Thanks for the great info!!! And thanks for all of the comments!
Janet
Yes it is expensive, and therefore I do not waste a speck. I use it in my salads, start at the fronds and chopping a little a day arrive at and thru the bulb, so I get several salads out of one. I'm trying out growing some, plan to harvest some fronds as they grow. I have tried some wild fennel fronds and the flavor is stronger, haven't been able to dig up a bulb.
Sarge
While reading this article, I got a great idea for the use of fennel, which I'm going to try as soon as what we're growing matures enough to be harvested! A fennel and saffron risotto with either crab meat or shrimp, with a rosemary roasted chicken and a salad my girlfriend introduced me to - spring salad mix with a hot bacon vinaigrette consisting of imperial sugar, table salt, apple cider vinaigrette, and of course chopped bacon.
Unfortunately, I left the restaurant industry late last year to pursue a career in the oilfield, but I still get on RG every time I have an internet connection, and take every chance I can to pay around in a kitchen! (if only safety regulations would allow to do that while on the job...the food out in the Gulf leaves much to be desired)
Brenda Isackson
Hi all I love fennel and 2 of my and my families favorite dishes are Porketta And Fennel Pasta, First one is real easy, You take a rolled pork roast make a paste of garlic butter and fennel seed spread all over your pork and cook it like any other roast Its heavenly. Second is1 pound spicy Italian sausage, Medium Onion wedged, medium Fennel bulb wedged, 1 red and 1 yellow bell peppers sliced, brown all this together till the sausage is cooked and the veggies are crisp but cooked, add 1 can crushed tomatoes, have over fettucinni, This my husband will even eat. there arent too many men that like fennel, and if you dont like the raw fennel in the second recipe you can use the seed instead. Yummy!
Kate
Hi--found this website when looking for a substitute for fennel pollen. For a long time I've put ground (in a coffee grinder used for just spices) fennel seeds in my meatloaf mixture before baking it. I can taste the difference and when I forget and leave it out, I miss that taste.
Mark Whelan
Thanks for the heads up on what I can do with fennel.
We started with one small plant in the back yard but with care compost and the southern Brazillian climate it has now at least 30 hearts (OK now I know they are called bulbs).
I now know how to start reducing the numbers and increasing my cullinary delights.
The only way I can see for Pat (June 19th, 2011 at 6:10 pm ) to use the seeds when she needs bulbs is to plant them and wait.
Mistie
I just received a fennel bulb complete with stalks and fronds from a friend who didn’t know what to do with it (me either) and was wondering what I could do with it… can the bulb be frozen?? It’s close to perishing and I don’t want it to go to waste. I’ve never cooked with fresh fennel but I love to try anything new.
Suki
I was listening to Dr. Oz a few days ago and he mentioned fennel seed is good for gas! So I was in a Orinetal Market and saw ground fennel and bought some to try. I added some to homemade salsa, it was a nice addition. Looking forward to using it, especially in the braising of it as mentioned above in olive oil for recipes. Came here for some ideas and appreciate the many responses.
Inez Reid
i grew a big patch of the plant &did not know how to use it except for salad and neither did my friends. Thank u i will be trying some of your recipe
T
this site was very insightful. It was great to see input from others aswell.My family adds a piece of fennel in a hot cup of water along with a squeeze of lemon,a couple mint leaves and a dab of honey..we find this most useful when dealing with cold and flu symptoms,tummy aches,or just something warm for the kids to sip as an alternative to hot chocolate!
Debbie
What a great little website and ever so helpful! I too am a home gourmet and I love experimenting and trying new things. I have used fennel before, but only limited, and I didn't quite know how I could expand my use and enjoyment. I believe I have all of those issues answered! Thank you!
Susie Pedersen
Wonderful article and recipes thank you! we are growing fennel and have several and looking for ways to serve them. Today I am making a roast beef in a crock pot carrots onions shallots garlic and our home grown turnips and I was wondering if I could add fennel-- what do you think? I usually saute it in evo with with garlic shallots onion & celery and then top it with some kind of fish and steam it with a tad of wine it's delicious! Thank you!
Cajun Queen
I loved the subtle, but intriguing flavor of the fennel in the wine and chicken stock sauce. I added some white fish to the stock and let it simmer with the fennel for a while. Delicious! Thanks for the recipie; I could find no recipies after checking in 6 or 7 major cookbooks. This was the first time cooking fennel in my life. So easy.
Gayle DeGregori
Next to the leeks in the produce section was the fennel ...I bought both and decided to make a fish chowder because we had some cold tilapia from the day before, leftover. Sauteed some onion, chopped up the leek & fennel, added some tiny new potatoes and boiling water, simmered that for a while, then added a thick, cooked "white sauce" (butter, flour and milk), stirred in the broken pieces of tilapia, seasoned to taste with salt & pepper. It was simply delicious! I had never used fennel before.
Katherine Rollins
Fennel can be used with celery and carrots in Vietnamese Salad. First, make a peanut sauce, using 1/2 c. peanut butter, 1/2 c. water, 1 T. soy sauce. Slice all three vegetables into matchsticks. Place in three bowls, or mix together. Soften rice paper circles for 45 seconds, two at a time, in pie pan of cold water. Remove one circle to a plate and spread it out. Place about twelve sticks of vegetables on one edge of the circle. Roll up like a burrito or egg roll. Place rolls, not touching, on a plate, and cover with a wet cloth until all rolls are done. Serve immediately, with peanut sauce. Sometimes other vegetables or shrimp are added to this, rolled into the circle.
Kari
This sounds so good! Must try.
DC
Try grating some fennel (just to your own taste a little or a lot), add chopped onion, chopped garlic, saute/carmalize in a little olive oil...add it to a macaroni salad, potato salad, or crushed tomatoes for a pasta sauce....(so many more uses just for that small mix up)
The Reluctant Gourmet
Sound delicious.
Bonnie
The cheapest fennel I have found is at Trader Joes. The fronds have been trimmed so it fits into the plastic container.
I make a purée w the whole bulb and some fennel seeds which I toast in a dry pan first. Then I spread the purée on puff pastry squares or rounds, you can cut the dough however you want. Then I top it with a thin slice of smoked salmon and decorate w a small frond, maybe capers, or caviar if you want to be really fancy. This recipe is from the book Simple to Spectacular, by Mark Bittman & John-George Vongerichten
Fennelhead
Two ways,
Shredded as a slaw with a sweet and bitter dressing - oil, orange or grapefruit juice, marmalade, dries orange peel, ginger, salt, fennel fronds
When I'm tired of leftovers, I strifry with garlic, butter, bring to a boil so the dressing gets a little thick and sticky, then add cooked bacon bits
Diane
My husband and I sprinkle fennel seeds on our pizza. It adds an amazing flavor to your baked pizza.
marlene oneill
Can I use fennel in a meat stew or do I mix it with cabbage and boil it.
Ruby
I planted fennel seeds they grew great, but when I harvested them there were no bulbs just roots like carrots. Can anyone tell me what I have done wrong?
kathy mcmahon
I did the same. fortunately I didn't pull all up. It is a perennial plant, so leave root in ground for next year, and the bulbs should be larger. you can still harvest fennel seeds and fronds and stalks.
ronnie
Can you tell me how large small fennels are? I have a recipe calling for a small fennel and only have a large fennel bulb. I don't know how large small ones are for my recipe and I need to cut the large one into small ones. Thanks.
The Reluctant Gourmet
Ronnie, I'm not really sure how to answer this one so if anyone else has some suggestions for Ronnie, please offer them up. I have read that California fennel have bulbs about the size of a grapefruit while those imported from Italy are slightly smaller. Using this as a guide, I would suggest cutting a grapefruit sized bulb in half but that's just what I would do.
kelly
I love fennel....it grows wild behind my house. I pick it, dry it and then......put the leaves in a pot of water and boil it on my stove. Not only is the sweet aroma a great air freshener but there u have fresh brewed tea....its strong...only a small amount of this liquid do I mix w my regular tea. The taste is relaxing and unique, more sweet and less licorice this way
penelope brown
I've been eating this salad dressing for 30 years at a restaurant here in Eugene, Oregon. It is wonderful.
As far as I can tell, the ingredients are fresh fennel with some fronds and seeds, parmesan cheese,a bit of garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. I imagine it's done in a blender or processor, since it's truly smooth and unctuous. Anyone else want to try it and see if they can figure out some reliable proportions?
Northern Italy is famous for its Dama Bianca salad. Sliced fennel, thin sliced celery, shards of parmesan, oil, vinegar and salt and pepper. That's it.
My fennel plants give me material all year--I never cut to the ground, but just above. New goodies will grow above and to the sides of the cut. Sometimes they're smaller, but that's OK. I'm guilty of going out and chopping off baby bulbs. I've given them their own bed so they can be in all stages of growth as they choose. Works for me. Penny
The Reluctant Gourmet
Penny, this dressing sounds amazing. What's the name of the restaurant in Eugene? Is it still there? Maybe someone can contact the chef and get his recipe. Thanks for sharing your salad with us.
penelope brown
The restaurant is the Glenwood Cafe on Willamette St, in Eugene, Oregon--they have another place closer to the Univ of Oregon campus which doesn't serve this dressing. I tried years ago to get them to give me some hints, with no success. I pleaded with them using the fact that I live a fair distance from town..weak, I know, but no go from them in any case. I made a batch night before last and made a addition that works well-two shallots thrown in with the other listed ingreds. Too bad I have no quantities yet. Fresh parsley may work well here too.
Penny
Peggy Verneuil
I love to watch the Chopped Food Channel and they use so many different terms while cooking. Just trying to find out what some of these terms mean and the use of some of the ingredients
Couann
We love fennel.....my classic recipe :- using a cast oven pot with lid slice up 2 large onions slightly thicken than usual, 4 large fennel bulbs and any stalks and if there is a small bit of leaf chop it up too, one carrot for colour cut down the center longways and sliced up,then depending on availability add peas or courgettes, herbs, pinch of salt,Top up with stock, water or wine and liquid mix....if using it as a vegan.vegetarian dish add some white beans/tofu/tempe.
Rabdy
I was raised in California, in some parts fennel grows wild all over the place, as a kid we use to play near the railroad tracks in Healdsburg ca, we'd munch on fennel while playing, being raised poor I found it to be a great sweet treat.
Carol
You mentioned to one responder that it was hard to imagine not being able to find fennel in the local markets, but I understand exactly what that person posted. The markets in my home town have never had fennel before, but finally just this past week, Walmart had some. So, being a curious person, I bought it and am now searching the web for recipes to use it! I think I might try some in my spaghetti sauce, but will have to be careful of the amount I use. According to Wikipedia, the potassium content in it is high, and since my kidneys are not functioning at full capacity, getting too much potassium is not a good idea. But I'm very excited about trying it out!
G. Stephen Jones
That's great your Walmart is not selling it Carol but sad that your grocery stores are not. It is a wonderful ingredient to cook with. Please let me know how you do with your spaghetti sauce and any other recipes you come up with.
Sandy
I just recently discovered it and it is truly wonderful. I had it two ways- one bulb chopped across in 1/2" strips, pan fried in olive oil seasoned to taste with salt only, and then leftovers of this pan-fry (about half the bulb) boiled with two and a half cups of chicken broth and then blended with a hand-blender with a dash of black pepper and salt to finish it. It made a unique flavorful, somewhat thick soup which I topped with braised shredded beef (Greek style with oregano, lemon and olive oil). Even my picky-eating son loved it and said it was delicious.
G. Stephen Jones
Thanks for sharing this Sandy.
Marlene
I add fresh fennel to my Latino Sofrito and it gives food a better taste.
G. Stephen Jones
Hi Marlene, thank you for that tip.
Leonard Pick
Please tell me a daily use for fennel powder so I can use it for medicinal purposes. I imagine it can be put in tea but how much?
I had a dessert in Williamsburg NY- vanilla ice cream, olive oil, honey, sea salt and fennel powder on top. Delicious. Called the Italian Job at Lillia’s.
Kitchenhutt Spices - fennel whole
Thank you for sharing it with us !