Slow-Cooked Fennel Bulbs
Let's Tenderize and Flavor Up Your Plate with Braised Fennel
Braising transforms humble stalk vegetables like fennel and celery into mouthwatering, melt-in-your-mouth side dishes. In this recipe, we'll pair brown butter with a touch of orange juice and zest, creating a rich, earthy flavor and a zesty kick. For more fennel-inspired dishes, check out our Shaved Fennel and Pistachio Salad, Braised Pork Chops and Fennel, and Herbed Beets with Fennel.
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: A cinch!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients (6)
- 2 large or 4 small fennel bulbs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- Finely grated zest of 1 orange
Want to dig deeper into fennel? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Fennel for detailed info on its health benefits and captivating history.
Instructions
- Trim the fennel bulbs, reserving a handful of fronds for garnish later. Slice the fennel bulbs lengthwise into thick wedges. Sprinkle the fennel wedges with salt.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Let it brown for about a minute or so until it starts to give off a nutty aroma. Carefully place the fennel cut-side-down in the skillet in a single layer. Let it cook, undisturbed, until browned on one side, approximately 3 minutes. Flip and brown the other side, around 3 minutes.
- Pour in the stock and orange juice, and scatter the fennel wedges with orange zest. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until the fennel becomes tender, around 5 minutes. Serve with a sprinkling of the reserved fronds.
Want More Braised Fennel?
- Tomato Fennel Braised Chicken Thighs: This recipe from Rock Recipes combines fennel with chicken thighs, tomatoes, and garlic for a scrumptious pasta dinner that's perfect for a cold night[3].
- Fennel & Tomato Braised Gigante Beans: Hedonist in Moderation's recipe features fennel, tomatoes, and pomegranate molasses, resulting in a rich, tangy sauce to braise gigante beans. It's a unique take on traditional braised dishes[5].
- Pulled Pork and Braised Fennel: While the pulled pork recipe from Kevin & Amanda doesn't include fennel, it could make an interesting pairing. Simply braise fennel alongside or as a complement to the slow-cooked pork, adding a crunchy, anise-flavored contrast[2].
- Braised Fennel with Lamb or Beef: This classic combination pairs fennel with lamb or beef short ribs, perfect for a hearty dish during colder seasons.
- Roasted Vegetable Soup with Braised Fennel: Although not exactly braised, fennel can be roasted and then added to soups, blending well with other veggies like carrots and celery. Its flavor profile would be slightly different but still leverages fennel's anise taste.
Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, there's plenty of room to experiment with braised fennel recipes. Happy cooking!
- This recipe for Braised Fennel pairs fennel with brown butter, orange juice, and zest, creating a dish that falls under the 'uncategorized' category due to its unique flavor profile.
- The nutritional benefits of fennel are further showcased in this recipe as it's finely sliced and slow-cooked, bringing out its richness in minerals and vegetables.
- Not just a side dish, this Braised Fennel recipe can also be categorized as a main course when paired with Lamb or Beef short ribs, making it a perfect choice for hearty meals during colder seasons.
- For those exploring less traditional approaches, the Braised Fennel could be added to a Roasted Vegetable Soup, enhancing the anise taste and contributing to a more complex nutritional profile.
