Best 10 Sweet Fennel Recipes

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Sweet fennel, also known as anise fennel or Florence fennel, is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed cooked or raw. It has a distinctively sweet, licorice-like flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making it a popular choice for salads, soups, stews, and roasted dishes. Whether you are looking for a simple side dish or a more complex entree, there are many delicious recipes to choose from when cooking with sweet fennel. This article will guide you through some of the best recipes, ensuring you find the perfect dish to suit your taste and occasion.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SHEET-PAN CHICKEN WITH SWEET POTATOES AND FENNEL



Sheet-Pan Chicken With Sweet Potatoes and Fennel image

This easy, sheet-pan dinner sings thanks to its zingy vinaigrette of sharp pecorino, warming cracked pepper and bright lemon - which you'll want to slather on everything. These flavors really get a chance to shine drizzled on top of roast chicken and seasonal vegetables. Don't be afraid to substitute the sweet potatoes and fennel with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Serve the dish with a handful of leafy greens and a generous amount of the vinaigrette.

Provided by Yewande Komolafe

Categories     dinner, weekday, weeknight, poultry, main course

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 1/2 to 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (about 10 to 12 ounces each)
1/2 cup olive oil
Kosher salt
2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 1/4 pounds)
1 small fennel bulb, cut into 1-inch wedges, fronds chopped and reserved
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 lemon, zested, plus 2 tablespoons juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, grated
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper, plus more to taste
1 cup crumbled or grated pecorino cheese
1/4 cup parsley, leaves and tender stems
4 cups leafy greens, such as baby spinach or torn kale (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, toss chicken with 2 tablespoons oil. Season with salt and arrange on a large rimmed baking sheet, skin-side up.
  • In the same bowl, toss potatoes and fennel with 2 tablespoons oil. Season with salt and arrange in an even layer around the chicken.
  • Roast until chicken and potatoes are a deep golden brown and fennel is starting to caramelize at the edges, about 35 to 45 minutes.
  • As chicken cooks, combine vinegar, lemon zest and juice, mustard, garlic and 1 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Whisk in remaining 1/4 cup olive oil in a thin stream and stir in pecorino. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer the chicken to a cutting board to rest. Toss the fennel fronds and parsley with the roasted vegetables.
  • To serve, cut the chicken off the bone and slice. Divide chicken and vegetables among plates. Serve with a handful of leafy greens if you like, and spoon the pecorino vinaigrette over everything.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 983, UnsaturatedFat 44 grams, Carbohydrate 19 grams, Fat 65 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 78 grams, SaturatedFat 18 grams, Sodium 1179 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams

FENNEL-RUBBED PORK CHOPS WITH APPLE, KALE, AND SWEET POTATO



Fennel-Rubbed Pork Chops with Apple, Kale, and Sweet Potato image

Apple, kale, and sweet potato cook with fennel-rubbed pork chops in this easy, all-in-one skillet dinner. This recipe, which appeared in Allrecipes magazine's Dec/Jan 2020 issue, comes from Ellie's new cookbook, "Whole in One: Complete, Healthy Meals in a Single Pot, Sheet Pan, or Skillet."

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pork     Pork Chop Recipes     Boneless

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 teaspoon fennel seeds
½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
¾ teaspoon salt, divided
4 (1-inch thick) boneless pork loin chops
¼ cup olive oil, divided
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
½ onion, cut thinly into half-moons
1 red apple - unpeeled, cored, and sliced into1/4-inch-thick wedges
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
4 cups lightly packed, coarsely chopped kale

Steps:

  • Place fennel seeds and peppercorns in a small zip-top plastic bag. Seal bag and pound spices using a mallet or rolling pin until coarsely ground, or pulse them briefly in a spice or coffee grinder. Sprinkle mixture and 1/4 teaspoon salt on both sides of chops.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add sweet potatoes; cook, stirring occasionally, until fork-tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt, then transfer to a plate.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add chops and reduce heat to medium; cook, turning once, about 4 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest parts registers 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). Transfer chops to a plate and tent with foil.
  • Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the onion to the skillet; cook until onion softens, about 2 minutes. Add apple; cook 1 minute more. Add broth, stirring to scrape up browned bits, then stir in mustard and sweet potatoes. Increase heat to medium-high; simmer until apple is slightly softened and liquid has slightly reduced, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Add kale and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until kale is tender, about 1 minute. Add any accumulated juices from the plate with pork. Serve chops with vegetable mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 600 calories, Carbohydrate 42.2 g, Cholesterol 89.9 mg, Fat 31.2 g, Fiber 6.9 g, Protein 38.6 g, SaturatedFat 8.1 g, Sodium 666.8 mg, Sugar 10.3 g

SWEET SAUTEED BEETS WITH AN ORANGE, ONION & FENNEL RELISH



Sweet Sauteed Beets With an Orange, Onion & Fennel Relish image

I'm a beet lover ... and if you are, you will love this too. This is a great salad or a simple side dish which I have served it both ways. A mix of red and golden beets, pan sauteed and topped with an onion, fennel and orange relish. Serve this over a bed of spinach or other greens for a wonderful salad, or serve this as is - for a perfect side dish - sweet and tangy all in one. If you can only get red beets, that's fine. My local market and my farmers markets usually carry both red and golden and you can use one or the other, or a combination. Mandarin oranges are perfect for this, sweet, pre-segmented and ready to use, I actually prefer them over fresh in this dish. The beets are steamed and then sauteed, tossed with the vinaigrette and topped with the fresh relish. Note: This vinaigrette is great ... not only in this dish, but also over fish, scallops, green beans, asparagus, roasted cauliflower, chicken, pork or any of your favorite greens.

Provided by SarasotaCook

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 55m

Yield 4-6 , 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 22

4 tablespoons orange marmalade
4 tablespoons white wine vinegar (champagne vinegar is another option, cider vinegar or white vinegar just doesn't work well in this)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
salt
pepper
5 -6 medium beets, whole (I used a mix of golden and red, but either will work)
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon butter
salt
pepper
1 small fennel bulb, fine diced
1 small red onion, fine diced
1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges, diced (save some of the liquid)
drizzle olive oil
1 teaspoon mandarin orange juice
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, fine chopped
salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Vinaigrette -- Make this first and then just refrigerate until ready to use. In a small mixing bowl, or personally -- I like a small tupperware container, just add everything and shake, but a mixing bowl works good. Add the marmalade, vinegar, garlic, olive oil, chives, thyme, salt and pepper. Mix well and set to the side. It is even better made a few hours ahead, but it isn't necessary.
  • Beets -- I make the beets all in one pan, but if you prefer to roast them in the oven first and then saute, that will work fine. I find it just as easy to fill a small sauce pan with water and add the beets. Make sure the water covers the beets. Cover and cook on medium low heat for approximately 20-30 minutes until tender but still firm. Remember, these will be peeled, diced and finished in a saute pan, so make sure they are tender, but a bit underdone - you don't want them falling apart.
  • Relish -- As the beets cook, make the relish. To a small bowl, add the chopped oranges, fennel, onion, mandarin orange juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, thyme, salt and pepper. Slightly chill before serving.
  • Beets -- Once the beets are done, remove from the pan and let cool until you can handle them. The peel will slide right off. Don't run them under water, just slide the peel off with your hands. I do use gloves as your hands will turn red. You can also put the beet in a small baggie and rub the outside of the baggie and that also works pretty good or use the back of a spoon, that is another trick. Then cut the beets in bite size wedges, not too small.
  • Saute -- In the same pan, dump out any remaining water, add the olive oil and butter and bring to medium high heat. Add the beets and saute, 3-5 minutes until fork tender. That is why you didn't cook them all the way in the water. You don't want them falling apart. The last minute add in the vinaigrette and heat until warm. I usually use about 1/2 of the vinaigrette, but use as much as you want too. I start slow as the beets will absorb some of the sauce. The leftover vinaigrette is great on other salads or vegetables.
  • Serve -- Serve over a bed of your favorite greens, or you can just serve as is. Top with the onion, fennel and orange relish. Garnish with some of the orange segments if you want and ENJOY!
  • The vinaigrette is great with roasted chicken, fish, pork or vegetables so make sure you save the leftovers. ENJOY !

SWEET AND SOUR PICKLED FENNEL



Sweet and Sour Pickled Fennel image

One of the things that I love about our trips to Italy is sampling the various items that my husband's relatives have conserved from their gardens. Finocchi (fennel) in agrodolce (sour-sweet) is one of them! It can be served either as a side dish (contorno) or as a accompaniment to an aperitif. Jars can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year. Any jars that didn't seal should be placed in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 weeks.

Provided by Kim's Cooking Now

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Canning and Preserving Recipes     Pickled

Time P7DT12h35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 pound fennel bulbs, cored and sliced
3 cups water
2 cups white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
½ cup turbinado cane sugar
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Steps:

  • Inspect 2 jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until fennel is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm, soapy water.
  • Place sliced fennel in a colander and rinse well.
  • Combine water, vinegar, and salt in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the fennel, sugar, olive oil, and chives; stir to combine. Bring back to a boil and cook for 3 minutes.
  • Remove fennel from the cooking liquid with a slotted spoon and pack into sterilized jars. Fill the jars with the hot cooking liquid, leaving 1/2-inch head space. Wipe the tops of the jars with a clean cloth. Place lids on the jars and tighten.
  • Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the jars from the stockpot with a jar lifter and let rest on a kitchen towel, several inches apart, for 12 to 24 hours. Press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area for 1 week before consuming.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 119.5 calories, Carbohydrate 8.4 g, Fat 9.5 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 0.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 758.6 mg, Sugar 4.3 g

CHICKEN-LEG CACCIATORE WITH SWEET PEPPERS, FENNEL, AND GREEN OLIVES



Chicken-Leg Cacciatore with Sweet Peppers, Fennel, and Green Olives image

This recipe for delicious chicken-leg cacciatore is courtesy of chef Andrew Carmellini, and can be found in "Urban Italian."

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken

Number Of Ingredients 16

6 chicken legs with thighs
Brine
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground fresh black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, preferably Sicilian, on the branch
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 links fresh hot Italian sausage (about 1/4 pound), sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 small bulb fennel, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, very thinly sliced
1/4 cup white wine
3 Roasted Peppers for Chicken Leg Cacciatore, yellow or red, cut into strips
10 whole Italian canned tomatoes, preferably San Marzano (about one 28-ounce can)
3/4 cup pitted green olives (preferably marinated), halved
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

  • Place chicken legs and thighs in a large bowl; add brine and toss to coat. Transfer to refrigerator for 30 minutes. Remove chicken from brine and pat dry.
  • Preheat broiler and preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Season chicken with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, oregano, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place chicken on a broiler pan on the middle rack and broil until skin begins to crisp, about 2 1/2 minutes. Rotate pan and continue cooking until skin is crisp, about 2 1/2 minutes more.
  • Transfer chicken to oven and bake until juices run clear, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add sausage and cook until fat is rendered, about 2 minutes. Add onion, fennel, and remaining salt. Cover pan and let cook until vegetables are just softened, about 3 minutes.
  • Uncover and stir in garlic; cook for 1 minute. Add wine and cook until evaporated, about 30 seconds. Add roasted peppers and tomatoes; cook until tomatoes are broken down, vegetables have softened, and mixture is thickened, about 20 minutes.
  • Add olives and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove pan from heat and add basil, parsley, and chicken; stir to coat. Serve immediately with generous portions of sauce poured over the chicken.

SWEET AND TANGY COLESLAW WITH FENNEL AND ORANGE



SWEET AND TANGY COLESLAW WITH FENNEL AND ORANGE image

Categories     Salad     Vegetable     Side     Spring

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, plus extra for seasoning
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons juice plus 1 teaspoon grated zest from 1 orange
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 large green cabbage (about 1 pound), core removed, and shredded fine (about 6 cups)
Table salt
1/4 cup sugar, plus extra for seasoning
1/2 small fennel bulb, cored and thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup) plus 1 tablespoon minced fennel fronds
1/4 cup golden raisins

Steps:

  • 1. Combine vinegar, oil, orange juice, and pepper in medium glass or metal bowl. Place bowl in freezer until vinegar mixture is well chilled, at least 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes. 2. While mixture chills, toss cabbage with 1 teaspoon salt and sugar in large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with large plate and microwave on high power for 1 minute. Stir briefly, recover, and continue to microwave on high power until cabbage is partially wilted and has reduced in volume by one-third, 30 to 60 seconds longer. 3. Transfer cabbage to salad spinner and spin cabbage until excess water is removed, 10 to 20 seconds. Remove bowl from freezer, add cabbage, orange zest, fennel, fennel fronds, and raisins to cold vinegar mixture and toss to combine. Adjust flavor with sugar or vinegar and season with salt to taste. Refrigerate until chilled, about 15 minutes. Toss again before serving.

CHRIS'S SWEET-AND-SOUR SLAW WITH APPLE AND FENNEL



Chris's Sweet-and-Sour Slaw with Apple and Fennel image

Chris Kimball, author of "The Yellow Farmhouse Cookbook," prepares this refreshing and delicious coleslaw to accompany his crispy, crunchy fried chicken.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Yield Makes about 5 cups

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound (about half a medium head) green cabbage, finely shredded
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons rice-wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon mustard
2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon leaves
1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1 medium head fennel, thinly sliced (about 2 1/2 cups)

Steps:

  • Toss cabbage and 1 teaspoon salt in a colander or large mesh strainer set over a medium bowl. Let stand until cabbage wilts, 1 to 4 hours. Rinse cabbage under cold running water (or in large bowl of ice water if serving slaw immediately). Press, but do not squeeze, to drain; pat dry with paper towels. (Cabbage can be stored in a resealable plastic bag and refrigerated overnight.)
  • Stir together onion, honey, vinegar, oil, mustard, and tarragon in a medium bowl; set dressing aside. Immediately toss cabbage, apple, and fennel in dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

SWEET AND SOUR PEPPERS STUFFED WITH RICE OR BULGUR AND FENNEL



Sweet and Sour Peppers Stuffed With Rice or Bulgur and Fennel image

These sweet and sour peppers are great on their own, but they can also be filled. I like the filled peppers both cold, as sort of a salad, and warm. This is one instance in which fleshy red peppers work best.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, lunch, main course, side dish

Time 1h

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 cups water
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup sherry vinegar
1 onion, sliced
6 garlic cloves, sliced
Salt to taste
1 bay leaf
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 medium or 3 large red peppers, cut in half, seeds and membranes removed
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 medium-size fennel bulbs (about 3/4 pound), finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups cooked red, brown or black rice, or bulgur
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint, parsley, dill or chervil, or a mix
1 to 2 ounces feta, crumbled (optional)

Steps:

  • Simmer the peppers. Combine the water, sugar, vinegar, sliced onion, sliced garlic, salt, bay leaf and thyme in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add the peppers, turn the heat to medium and boil gently for 15 minutes, checking and spooning liquid over the peppers from time to time if they are not submerged. Remove from the heat, allow to cool, cover and refrigerate until cold.
  • Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet and add the fennel and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until the fennel is tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook, stirring, for another 30 seconds to a minute, until fragrant, then stir in the rice or bulgur and mix together. Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from the heat. Stir in the herbs.
  • Set a strainer over a bowl and drain the peppers. Blot them dry with paper towels and arrange on a platter or on plates if serving cold. Arrange in a lightly oiled baking dish if serving hot, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Fill with the rice mixture and spoon 2 teaspoons of the marinade over the filling of each serving. Sprinkle on the feta. Serve or chill if serving cold. If serving warm place in the oven for 15 minutes, until the cheese softens.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 389, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 75 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 8 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 959 milligrams, Sugar 19 grams

PENNE WITH SWEET POTATOES AND FENNEL



Penne with Sweet Potatoes and Fennel image

Provided by Robin Miller : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 28m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 fennel bulb, sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup milk (regular or lowfat)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups leftover roasted sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Keep warm.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add fennel, rosemary and sugar and cook 10 minutes, until fennel is tender and golden brown. Stir in the sweet potatoes.
  • Whisk together chicken broth, milk, and flour. Gradually add to skillet and simmer 3 minutes, until mixture thickens, stirring constantly. Add the pasta and stir to coat. Stir in Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper and cook until heated through, stirring constantly, about 3 minutes.

SWEET FENNEL



SWEET FENNEL image

Categories     Fruit

Yield 2 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup fennel greens
1 cup dandelion greens
1 cup chard
1 pear
1 mango, peeled
1 banana
2 cups water

Steps:

  • blend

Tips:

  • Use fresh fennel bulbs: Fresh fennel bulbs have a sweeter and more intense flavor than older ones. Look for bulbs that are firm and have no blemishes.
  • Trim the fennel properly: Cut off the root end and any tough outer leaves. Then, slice the bulb thinly or chop it into small pieces.
  • Cook fennel on low heat: Fennel can easily become bitter if it is cooked over high heat. Instead, cook it on low heat until it is tender and slightly caramelized.
  • Add fennel to salads: Fennel's crunchy texture and sweet flavor make it a great addition to salads. Try adding it to a salad with oranges, avocado, and walnuts.
  • Roast fennel with other vegetables: Fennel is a great roasting vegetable. Toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then roast it in the oven until it is tender and browned.
  • Use fennel seeds as a spice: Fennel seeds have a warm, slightly sweet flavor. They can be used to add flavor to soups, stews, and curries.

Conclusion:

Fennel is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its sweet flavor and crunchy texture make it a great addition to salads, roasted vegetables, and soups. Fennel is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for any diet.

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