Caramelized Fennel:
(Adapted from Chez Panisse Vegetables)
Found on the Putney Farm website
Notes Before You Start:
- The key to this dish is to brown, not steam, the fennel. Keep the pan hot and spread out the fennel, no crowding. Cook in batches if necessary- the only problem will be that you will finish the first batch before the next batch is done. Yes, this dish is that good.
What You Get: A great fennel recipe. Really.
What You Need: No special equipment is required.
How Long: 20 minutes, maybe more if cooking in batches. 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking. You can make this dish any time.
Ingredients:
(Serves 4 as a side dish)
- 2 Large fennel bulbs
- ¼ Cup olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- ½ Lemon
Assemble:
- Using a very sharp knife, cut the top and bottom from the fennel bulbs and then remove tough or bruised outer layers. You will end up with a bulb about the size of your fist.
- Slice the bulbs in half and then remove the cores from the fennel. Then cut the fennel lengthwise into 1/8 inch slices (it is ok if a little thicker).
- Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the olive oil and then the fennel slices. Spread the fennel out in the pan to encourage browning.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the fennel slices every few minutes, until golden brown.
- Remove the fennel from the pan and drain off any excess oil. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice, to taste. Serve.