Braised Fennel
Notes: Up to 3 hours ahead, simmer fennel, arrange in casserole, cover, and let stand at room temperature; then bake in oven with the lamb.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Trim off feathery fennel greens and finely chop enough to make 1/4 cup; reserve for garnish. Save remaining greens for other uses. Trim off and discard tough stems, root ends, and any bruised spots from fennel heads. Cut fennel lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
Step 2
2
In a 6- to 8-quart pan over medium-high heat, combine oil and onion. Stir often until onion is limp, 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3
3
Add sliced fennel and wine. Cover and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fennel is just tender when pierced, about 25 minutes.
Step 4
4
Arrange fennel slices neatly in a shallow 3- to 3 1/2-quart casserole and add liquid. Cover tightly with foil.
Step 5
5
Bake in a 375° oven until fennel is very tender when pierced, 1 hour and 10 minutes (1 hour in a convection oven).
Step 6
6
Uncover fennel, sprinkle with cheese, and, if desired, broil about 4 inches from heat until slightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle with reserved 1/4 cup chopped green fennel tops. Season to taste with salt.
Ingredients
8 heads fennel (3 in. wide), rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion (1/2 lb.), peeled and finely chopped
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
Salt
Directions
Step 1
1
Trim off feathery fennel greens and finely chop enough to make 1/4 cup; reserve for garnish. Save remaining greens for other uses. Trim off and discard tough stems, root ends, and any bruised spots from fennel heads. Cut fennel lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
Step 2
2
In a 6- to 8-quart pan over medium-high heat, combine oil and onion. Stir often until onion is limp, 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3
3
Add sliced fennel and wine. Cover and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fennel is just tender when pierced, about 25 minutes.
Step 4
4
Arrange fennel slices neatly in a shallow 3- to 3 1/2-quart casserole and add liquid. Cover tightly with foil.
Step 5
5
Bake in a 375° oven until fennel is very tender when pierced, 1 hour and 10 minutes (1 hour in a convection oven).
Step 6
6
Uncover fennel, sprinkle with cheese, and, if desired, broil about 4 inches from heat until slightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle with reserved 1/4 cup chopped green fennel tops. Season to taste with salt.
Search All of Sunset's Recipes
The Latest
These Historic Homes and Buildings Were Destroyed in the L.A. Wildfires
