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Fennel is a vegetable predominantly known for its seeds, but other parts of fennel can be used to create very flavorful and aromatic dishes. After washing and cutting fennel, you can roast or saute it for a dish. You can use it as a side dish for meals or eat it on its own as a snack. You usually cook fennel bulbs, while the stems can be used raw as a garnish for dishes like salads.
Steps
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Wash the fennel. Wash your fennel under running tap water prior to cooking it. Move the fennel as necessary to rinse all parts of it. You should not use soap or detergent, as such products can cause indigestion if not completely washed off.
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Cut your fennel. After washing your fennel, use a sharp knife and cutting board to slice the fennel. To start, trim off the stems. You will not be using them for the cooking process, but you can set them aside to eat raw later. Cut the bulb in half. Then, cut the halves into quarters. Peel off any outer layers of the bulb that have wilted. Peel off any outer layers of the bulb that have wilted. [1] X Research sourceAdvertisement -
Store fennel properly between uses. If you're not going to use the fennel right away, loosely wrap it in plastic. Then, store the fennel in the crisper drawer in your refrigerator. You should use the fennel within a week. [2] X Research source
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- You can apply lemon juice to the cut fennel to prevent it from oxidizing and turning brown.
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Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Before sautéing your fennel, add about an eighth or a quarter cup of olive oil to a skillet. For one bulb use an eighth of a cup. For two bulbs, use a quarter cup. Place your skillet over medium heat. [3] X Research source
- Oil is ready to use when it looks smooth and flows easily like water. The surface should also glisten slightly. [4] X Research source
- If you're still not sure, you can add a small piece of fennel to the oil. If it sizzles right away, the oil is already heated and you can add the remaining fennel.
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Add the fennel to the oil. Add the fennel to the oil once it's heated. Spread the fennel out so none of the pieces are touching or overlapping. [5] X Research source
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Cook the fennel for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir the fennel on occasion and flip the pieces. You should cook the fennel until it is golden brown. This should take about 10 to 12 minutes. [6] X Research source
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Season with lemon and salt. Turn off the heat once the fennel is cooked. Remove the fennel from the heat and drain any excess oil. Salt the fennel to taste. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to add extra flavor. [7] X Research source
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Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius). Before cooking your fennel, preheat your oven. Make sure you know how to tell when your oven is completely preheated. Some ovens have a thermometer inside while others may make a noise. [8] X Research source
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Add the fennel to a baking sheet. Make sure to spread the fennel out evenly. You do not want any of the pieces of fennel touching or overlapping. [9] X Research source
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Season the fennel. Drizzle about an eighth to a quarter cup of olive oil to the fennel. You should also add salt and pepper to taste. Toss the fennel pieces with your hands. [10] X Research source
- Use a quarter cup olive oil if you're cooking more than one bulb. For a single bulb, an eighth cup of olive oil should be sufficient.
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Cook the fennel. Cook the fennel for 30 minutes. Then, flip over the pieces of fennel. Cook them for an additional 30 minutes. When the olive oil is completely cooked, the edges should be crisp and brown. [11] X Research source
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Add parmesan (optional). You can sprinkle some parmesan over the fennel for seasoning. Use parmesan flakes, adding as much as you desire. [12] X Research source
- Serve the fennel immediately after cooking it. You can keep leftovers in a covered container in the fridge.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I avoid fennel from sticking on the baking sheet?Chef Markeicha Dulaney is a Personal Chef and Founder of Sweet Monáe Personal Chef Services in 2015 in South Florida. She has over 22 years of experience in the kitchen and provides customizable menus to meet the dietary needs, taste preferences, style, and budget of each client. She also specializes in weekly in-home chef services, all-inclusive pro-chef services, boutique catering, and pantry organizing services. She was featured in The Knot's "Table for Two" YouTube episodes and has also been featured in Real Simple Magazine article on "What routines save you the most time.” Chef Markeicha Dulaney graduated with an Associate's Degree from the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute of Culinary Arts and is a longtime member of the USPCA (United States Personal Chef Association).You can use a piece of parchment paper so that it doesn't stick. Drizzle it with some olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
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QuestionWhat does fennel taste like?Community AnswerIt tastes like black licorice, but without the bite. If you know what anise smells like, it is like that. It is very aromatic.
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QuestionCan I steam fennel?Community AnswerYes, steam the fennel for 8 to 10 minutes and season to taste.
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Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cooking, check out our in-depth interview with Markeicha Dulaney .
References
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cut-fennel-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-202598#_
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cut-fennel-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-202598#_
- ↑ https://putneyfarm.com/2012/04/05/caramelized-fennel-the-best-fennel-youll-ever-eat/
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/quick-tip-how-to-tell-when-oil-53815
- ↑ https://putneyfarm.com/2012/04/05/caramelized-fennel-the-best-fennel-youll-ever-eat/
- ↑ https://putneyfarm.com/2012/04/05/caramelized-fennel-the-best-fennel-youll-ever-eat/
- ↑ https://putneyfarm.com/2012/04/05/caramelized-fennel-the-best-fennel-youll-ever-eat/
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-fennel-with-parmesan-recipe-1915679
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-fennel-with-parmesan-recipe-1915679
About This Article
Article Summary
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To cook fennel, start by cutting off the stems and discarding them or saving them to eat raw later. Then, cut the remaining bulb into quarters, and peel off any outer layers that have wilted. Next, heat olive oil over medium-high heat, and add the fennel to the oil once it's glistening. Finally, saute the fennel for 10-12 minutes or until it's golden brown, flipping it over occasionally. To learn how to roast fennel, scroll down!
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