Baked Fennel With Parmesan is a delightful dish that transforms the humble fennel bulb into a savory, cheesy delight that’s perfect for lunch or snacks. If you’ve ever found steamed or boiled fennel to be lacking in texture and flavor, this recipe will change your mind. By finishing the fennel in the oven with a flavorful stock and generous amounts of high-quality Parmesan cheese, you’ll create a dish that’s truly irresistible.
Let’s dive into the detailed instructions to create this culinary masterpiece:
| Total Time | Prep Time | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 43 minutes | 15 minutes | 28 minutes |
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 fennel bulbs
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable stock (for vegetarian option)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Fennel:
- Begin by trimming off the fronds and outer hollow stalks of the fennel bulbs, leaving only the bulb.
- Trim off the hard bottom and then cut each bulb in half.
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Boil Water:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and season it with salt.
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Cook the Fennel:
- Carefully place the halved fennel bulbs into the boiling water and cook them for about 3 minutes. It’s crucial to ensure that the fennel remains crisp, so be cautious not to overcook.
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Stop Cooking:
- Once the fennel is cooked, remove it from the boiling water and immediately plunge it into icy water to stop the cooking process. Drain the fennel thoroughly.
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Slice the Fennel:
- Thinly slice the parboiled fennel bulbs.
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Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease a baking dish with some of the butter.
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Layer the Ingredients:
- Place the sliced fennel into the greased baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Sprinkle the fennel with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the stock into the baking dish, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
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Bake the Fennel:
- Bake the fennel uncovered in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 10 minutes.
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Add Cheese and Butter:
- After baking for 10 minutes, top the fennel with the remaining butter.
- Generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the fennel.
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Continue Baking:
- Return the baking dish to the oven and continue baking for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the stock has evaporated.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve your Baked Fennel With Parmesan hot and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures!
Notes:
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable stock instead of traditional stock.
- Be mindful not to overcook the fennel during the initial boiling stage, as it should retain its crispness for the best texture in the final dish.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning and cheese quantities according to your taste preferences.
- This dish pairs well with a variety of main courses or can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying snack.
Now, you’re ready to impress your family and friends with this delectable Baked Fennel With Parmesan recipe. Enjoy every flavorful bite! 🌿🧀
