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Sunday 4 August 2019

Fennel it's fabulous ... have you tried it !




It's quite possible that not everybody will agree with me that 'Fennel is Fabulous'... because not everyone enjoys its strong aniseed flavour which leaves no room for the middle ground. From the same family as the herb and seed of the same name, it's also known as Florence fennel, finocchio, or sweet fennel, is very popular in Italian cookery, and has a bulb-like shape that looks a little like a heavy-bottomed celery. 

When eaten raw, the texture is crisp and the flavour is quite assertive and aniseedy. Cooked, it's softer and more mellow.

Availability:
All year round, but it's best from the start of June to the end of September.

Choose the best:
If possible, go for the smaller, young bulbs, as they're more tender. They should look white, with no blemishes, and feel heavy for their size. The feathery green tops should be fresh and bright, with no yellowing.

Prepare it:
Wash, then trim off the green tops (they can be used as a garnish). Slice off the shoots and root and peel off the tougher outer layer (if the bulb is particularly young and tender you can leave this layer on). To cook it whole, cut out the tough central core from the bottom, leaving a cone-shaped cavity, or slice if you prefer. Alternatively, chop into quarters and remove the core from each one (but not too much, or the quarters will fall apart).

Store it:
Fresh cut fennel should be wrapped in damp kitchen paper, placed in a perforated bag and stored in the fridge. It will last for up to three days.

Cook it:
Cut into very thin slices for salads (a mandolin is good for this). Boil or steam (up to 20 minutes for a whole head, or up to 12 minutes for wedges). Roast (40-50 minutes).

Alternatives:
Try dill or fennel herb.

From an original article here

Searching for Fennel Recipes


Fennel Gratin
Serves Four
4 large fennel bulbs
pinch grated nutmeg
1 garlic clove, crushed
200ml double cream
50g parmesan (or vegetarian alternative)

find recipe details here
 
French-Style Chicken and Fennel Braise
Serves Two
tsp olive oil
4 shallots, halved
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 fennel bulb, cut into 8 wedges
4 pancetta rashers, cut into strips
2 small chicken breast fillets
1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
200g salad potatoes, halved
100g spring greens or shredded savoy cabbage

find recipe details here

Cod Parcels Steamed - With Fennel and Herbs
Serves Four
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 echalion shallots, finely sliced
1 large fennel bulb, trimmed and finely sliced
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
125ml (4fl oz.) white wine
4 x 125g (4oz) pieces cod loin
1 lemon, half cut into 4 slices (keep the other half for squeezing over the peas)
4 stalks lemon thyme
350g (12oz) frozen peas
large handful fresh mint leaves, chopped

find recipe details here

Fennel Soup
Serves Four
1/4 cup (60g/2oz.) butter
5 fennel bulbs, trimmed and quartered
1 (32 fluid ounce) container vegetable broth
salt and pepper to taste

find recipe details here

I wonder do you like fennel?

Dear reader, you will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, but please note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan

32 comments:

Jo said...

I love aniseed but I've never tried fennel.

CJ Kennedy said...

I’m going to try the ratatouille recipe from yesterday. Had to leave out the fennel as Himself doesn’t like licorice 😟

Tom said...

...something that I know very little about.

Christine said...

I should use it more, thanks for the tips.

Mary Kirkland said...

I have not tried fennel yet but I keep meaning to.

Miss Val's Creations said...

I am not a huge fennel fan however that may have changed. There is a veggie "meatball" we buy that has a very noticeable fennel flavor. It seems I am starting to like the veggie!

Valerie-Jael said...

I love fennel and also use fennel seeds to give an extra flavour to soups and other dishes. Valerie

sandy said...

To my knowledge I haven't ever had it but these dishes you posted look delicious!!

Elephant's Child said...

I add a little to salads and like Valerie-Jael also use the seeds.

CherryPie said...

I love fennel I have mostly used it in fish dishes.

happyone said...

I haven't cooked with fennel but it sure looks good.

Evi Erlinda said...

I like fennel but I haven't cooked it yet. Thank you for great recipes, I am ready to cook fennel with chicken.

Catarina said...

I buy it often. Good for salads. Delicious.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I grow fennel from seed and love it. It even overwinters where I live in Zone 5.

Susan Kane said...

Finding wild fennel along marshlands is a treat. Are they edible? No idea.

Nadezda said...

Jan, I did know fennel is very useful for us bur have never eaten it. I loved the soup recipe.

New Release Books said...

I need to do this as I like the smell of it in yoghurt etc.

It's me said...

Obama allergic for fennel. Happy week love Ria 🌺🌸💕

VENTANA DE FOTO said...

No es un ingrediente que uso, tendré que tomalo en cuenta. Como no lo he probado no puedo decir que me gusta o que no me gusta.

Besos

Teresa said...

El hinojo nunca lo he probado, no se si me gustará. Besitos.

Jutta.K. said...

Ich liebe Fenche,
in allen Variationen !
Liebe Grüße
Jutta aus Deutschland

DMS said...

I have loved fennel for years- but also have some friends that don't like it at all. Definitely doesn't seem to have a middle ground for people. Thanks for sharing these recipes. Yum!
~Jess

Sami said...

I love fennel and its smell :) I've never eaten it raw, always roast it with other vegetables.
Will have to try some of these recipes, specially the soup one.
Thanks Jan

Sue said...

I have to admit, fennel isn't my favourite. Never mind, you can't like everything. Have a fun week, Sue x

Aritha V. said...

I ave tried it this year. I like it.

DVArtist said...

Oh yes Fennel a wonderful addition to so many recipes. Thanks for sharing yours.

Snowbird said...

Oh, I really must try that delicious looking soup.xxx

Conniecrafter said...

I have never tried fennel

Debbie said...

i LOVE fennel!!!

William Kendall said...

I've never had it.

Jeanie said...

One of my favorites! Thanks for the recipe!

Magic Love Crow said...

Very interesting! Thanks Jan! Love the recipes! Big Hugs!