How to Cook With Sweet Fennel

Sweet fennel seeds are a delicious addition to any savory dish.

Sweet fennel, or common fennel, is a highly versatile herb that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Sweet and crunchy with hints of licorice, the fennel stalk, bulb and its seeds can be used to bring flavor and depth to a variety of dishes. Featured prominently in Italian and French cuisines, sweet fennel is commonly used as a seasoning, found frequently in Italian pork sausage. No matter how you slice it, sweet fennel gives a savory edge to any dish.

Instructions

1. Braise the bulbs of a fennel stalk in chicken or beef broth for a savory side dish. Trim the root and snip off the stalks and leaves. Halve the bulb, and quarter each half. Drizzle with broth and olive oil to lightly dress the sliced fennel bulb, then bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes, or until the bulb is tender to the fork.

2. Dice raw sweet fennel into small, bite-sized chunks and add to your favorite salad. Because it is similar in texture to onions, try substituting diced sweet fennel in salads that call for diced onion for a sweeter, less-intense taste. Long strips of shaved fennel make a refreshing addition to a salad of tossed greens.

3. Add a teaspoon or two of sweet fennel seeds to stews, soups and roast meats for a Mediterranean flair. Saute the seeds with meat and other vegetables before adding to soups and meat sauces. Add whole pods to scones or breads for a rich, aromatic dough.

References

• Epicurious: Braised Fennel
• Local Harvest: Fennel Seeds
• Food and Wine: Sweet Fennel-and-Tomato Scones
• Oprah.com: Shaved Fennel Salad