Fennel Apple Bisque
Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Randy Mon
Yields Serves 4 Total Time 45 mins
A smooth, silky, understated soup that is oddly compelling--the Greta Garbo of soups. Time: 45 minutes.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

Trim root end and stalks from fennel bulb; reserve some feathery fronds for garnish. Chop bulb to make about 4 cups.

Step 2
2

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter, add onion, and cook until limp, about 5 minutes. Add broth, fennel, and apple. Cover and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until fennel is soft when pierced, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in watercress and cook until wilted.

Step 3
3

Purée soup in a blender in batches, holding lid down with a towel. Pour back into pan, thin with more broth if you like, and reheat. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 4
4

Serve topped with fennel fronds and crumbled blue cheese.

Step 5
5

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Ingredients

 1 large fennel bulb (1 1/2 lbs. with stalks)
 2 tablespoons butter
 1 large onion (8 oz.), chopped
 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
 2 large (1 lb.) Fuji apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
 1 cup fresh watercress leaves
 1 teaspoon salt
 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  About 4 tbsp. crumbled blue cheese

Directions

Step 1
1

Trim root end and stalks from fennel bulb; reserve some feathery fronds for garnish. Chop bulb to make about 4 cups.

Step 2
2

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter, add onion, and cook until limp, about 5 minutes. Add broth, fennel, and apple. Cover and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until fennel is soft when pierced, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in watercress and cook until wilted.

Step 3
3

Purée soup in a blender in batches, holding lid down with a towel. Pour back into pan, thin with more broth if you like, and reheat. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 4
4

Serve topped with fennel fronds and crumbled blue cheese.

Step 5
5

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Fennel Apple Bisque

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