Fennel Cutlets (Cotolette di Finocchi)
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 8
These crispy fennel cutlets are a delightful, light appetizer that combines the tender flavor of fennel with a savory golden crust. The delicate taste of fennel, paired with the crunchy, aromatic breading, makes for an irresistible dish. Perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying as a snack, these cutlets bring out the best in one of Italy’s most aromatic vegetables.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fennel bulbs | 2 |
| Breadcrumbs | 150g |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Fresh oregano leaves | to taste |
| Grana Padano cheese (DOP) | 20g |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | as needed |
Instructions
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Prepare the Fennel: Begin by thoroughly rinsing the fennel bulbs under cold running water. Once cleaned, remove most of the fronds from the fennel and slice the bulbs lengthwise into thin pieces.
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Prepare the Breading: In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Grana Padano cheese, fresh oregano leaves, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to ensure an even distribution of the seasonings and cheese.
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Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them with a pinch of salt until fully combined and smooth.
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Frying Preparation: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. The oil should reach around 170°C (340°F) for optimal frying.
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Coating the Fennel: Take each fennel slice and first dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, roll the fennel in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere to the surface.
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Frying the Cutlets: Once the oil is hot, fry the fennel cutlets in batches of 1-2 at a time. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the cutlets are golden and crispy.
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Draining: Remove the cutlets from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Serving: Once all the cutlets are fried and drained, arrange them on a serving plate. Serve them hot for the best taste and texture.
Enjoy your Cotolette di Finocchi as a light, savory appetizer perfect for any occasion!
Tips
- Fennel Flavor: Fennel has a mild anise-like flavor, which pairs beautifully with the crispy breading. If you’re not familiar with fennel, don’t worry – its taste becomes mellow and subtle once cooked.
- Grana Padano: This Italian cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the cutlets. If you can’t find Grana Padano, Parmesan can be used as a substitute.
- Oil Temperature: Ensuring the oil is the right temperature is crucial for achieving a crisp crust without sogginess. If the oil is too cool, the cutlets will absorb more oil and become greasy.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
This Fennel Cutlets recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a delicious, crispy appetizer that’s sure to be a hit. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian snack or just a way to add more veggies to your meal, these golden, fragrant cutlets are the perfect choice!
