Recipes For Fennel Bulbs

THE BEST ROASTED FENNEL

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 475 degrees F.
• Pick 2 tablespoons of the tender green fronds from the tops of the fennel bulbs and set aside. Cut the remaining top and bottom from each fennel bulb, then cut the bulb in half lengthwise through the core. Use the tip of the knife to cut an upside-down "V" on the bottom of each bulb to remove most of the core, leaving just enough so the bulb stays intact. Cut each half through the core into wedges, about 1/4 inch thick.
• Add the fennel bulb, thyme, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes and 3/4 teaspoon salt to a large bowl and toss until evenly coated. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet.
• Roast in the oven until the fennel is very tender and lightly browned in spots, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, top with the reserved fennel fronds and serve with the lemon wedges.

ROASTED FENNEL WITH PARMESAN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Lightly oil the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Arrange the fennel in the dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then with the Parmesan. Drizzle with the oil. Bake until the fennel is fork-tender and the top is golden brown, about 45 minutes. Chop enough fennel fronds to equal 2 teaspoons, then sprinkle over the roasted fennel and serve.

DELECTABLE FENNEL BULB ROSEMARY CHICKEN

Steps:

• Chop your fennel bulb into 1/2 inch slices and add to 1 tbsp of olive oil in a pan on medium-high heat. Dash in 1 tsp of the rosemary, and about a 1/4 tsp of salt, and cook while stirring frequently, until the fennel is a nice golden brown-- about 12 minutes.
• Add the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover the pan and reduce the heat. Simmer until the fennel is tender, which should take about 3 minutes, then remove from the pan.
• Wipe out the pan and heat the remaining tbsp of olive oil on medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with about a 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp or so of the pepper, and add to the pan with the rest of the rosemary (1 tsp). Cook, turning them over now and then, until they're almost done and both sides are lightly browned.
• Add the garlic and stir, letting it cook for about 30 seconds. Add in the fennel and reserved liquid you saved in step #2 and a couple grinds of black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing everything to cook through and the flavors to blend nicely.
• While that's going, chop up your parsley. The final step is to stir it in, and serve.