Fennel Orange Gratin

Fennel Gratin Recipe

Overview:

This Fennel Gratin is a delightful dish infused with fragrant flavors, perfect for impressing special guests or treating yourself to something uniquely delicious. With a prep time of 25 minutes and a total cook time of 1 hour and 30 minutes, it’s a dish that’s well worth the effort. Bursting with vegan goodness and oven-baked to perfection, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Let’s dive into the details and create this culinary masterpiece!

Servings: 8
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (1 review)

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Remove the fennel leaves, mince them finely, and set them aside for later use.
   • Peel the onions and garlic cloves, then chop them finely.
   • Take 1 1/2 teaspoons of orange zest from the peel of one of the oranges. Set aside.
   • Pare the remaining peel and pith from the oranges, cut them in half lengthwise, then slice them across into 1/4-inch slices. Reserve the juice for later use.

2. Cooking:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in the ground coriander, cumin, dried ground cayenne, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, and the reserved orange zest. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until fragrant.

3. Preparing the Fennel:

   • Remove the outer ribs of the fennel bulbs and discard them.
   • Slice the fennel bulbs crosswise into 1-inch slices.
   • Place the sliced fennel in a bowl and cover with cold water to prevent browning.

4. Assembling the Gratin:

   • Drain the sliced fennel and pat them dry with paper towels.
   • Add the fennel to the skillet with the onion and spice mixture. Season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the fennel begins to soften.
   • Sprinkle the brown sugar over the fennel mixture and stir until combined. Remove from heat.

5. Layering and Baking:

   • Lightly grease an 8-inch oven-proof dish with oil spray.
   • Begin layering the gratin by placing a layer of turnip slices on the bottom of the dish.
   • Top the turnip slices with a layer of orange slices, followed by a layer of the cooked fennel mixture. Repeat this process for a second layer.
   • Pour the reserved orange juice over the layered vegetables in the dish.
   • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the gratin is bubbling and the vegetables are tender-crisp.

6. Final Touches:

   • After baking for 1 hour, remove the foil from the dish and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
   • Once done, remove the gratin from the oven and sprinkle the reserved minced fennel leaves over the top before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 98.9
• Fat: 3.8g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 152.5mg
• Carbohydrates: 16.3g
• Fiber: 4.4g
• Sugar: 7.5g
• Protein: 2g

Recipe Notes:

• This Fennel Gratin is bursting with fragrant flavors and textures, making it a perfect side dish or main course for any occasion.
• Feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings according to your personal taste preferences.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Serve this gratin alongside a fresh salad and crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal experience.
• Enjoy the delightful combination of fennel, orange, and spices in every bite of this delicious vegan dish!