Creamy Baked Fennel with Parmesan
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Creamy Baked Fennel with Parmesan, a sophisticated yet comforting vegetable dish inspired by Chef Gabrielle Hamilton of Prune restaurant in New York City. This recipe transforms fresh fennel bulbs into tender, aromatic wedges, enveloped in luscious heavy cream and topped with a generous amount of golden-brown Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a side dish for any occasion, this creamy delight is sure to impress your guests and elevate your dining experience. With its subtle sweetness and earthy notes, it's a remarkable addition to any meal, showcasing the versatility of fennel in a way that will have everyone requesting seconds.
N/A
Servings
175
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
fennel bulbs
1 1/2 lbs (about 2 large bulbs, stalks and fronds removed, sliced into wedges)
heavy cream
2 cups (none)
Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated, divided)
kosher salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (cubed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Prepare the fennel by removing the stalks and fronds, then slice each bulb in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 1/2-inch wedges.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced fennel with heavy cream and 1 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring even distribution.
4
Transfer the fennel mixture into a large baking dish. Dot the top with the cubed unsalted butter to add richness and flavor.
5
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 60 minutes, allowing the fennel to soften and absorb the creamy goodness.
6
After 60 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7
Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the fennel is tender and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
8
Once finished, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy baked fennel as an elegant side dish!
Nutrition Information
15.25g
Fat
2.25g
Carbs
7.125g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Baked Fennel with Parmesan?
Creamy Baked Fennel with Parmesan is a sophisticated vegetable side dish where fennel bulbs are sliced into wedges, baked in heavy cream, and topped with golden Parmesan cheese.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Chef Gabrielle Hamilton of the restaurant Prune in New York City.
How many fennel bulbs are required for this recipe?
You will need approximately 1 1/2 lbs of fennel, which equates to about 2 large fennel bulbs.
Which parts of the fennel bulb should be removed?
Before slicing, you should remove the stalks and the fronds from the fennel bulbs.
How should the fennel be sliced?
Each bulb should be sliced in half lengthwise, and then each half should be cut into 1/2-inch wedges.
What type of cream is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of heavy cream to create a rich and luscious sauce.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed in total?
The recipe uses a total of 1 1/2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is all the Parmesan cheese added at the beginning?
No, the cheese is divided: 1 cup is mixed with the fennel and cream initially, and the remaining 1/2 cup is sprinkled on top for the final stage of baking.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
Do I need to cover the baking dish?
Yes, the dish should be covered tightly with aluminum foil for the first 60 minutes of baking.
How long does the fennel bake while covered?
It bakes covered for 60 minutes to allow the fennel to soften and absorb the cream.
How long does the fennel bake uncovered?
After removing the foil and adding more cheese, it bakes uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.
What is the total baking time for this recipe?
The total baking time is approximately 90 minutes.
What role does the butter play in this recipe?
4 tablespoons of cubed unsalted butter are dotted on top of the mixture before baking to add extra richness and flavor.
How do I season the creamy fennel?
Season the mixture generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is categorized as a vegetarian side dish.
How many calories are in a serving of Creamy Baked Fennel with Parmesan?
There are approximately 175 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 15.25g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
The dish contains 2.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
There is approximately 7.125g of protein per serving.
How do I know when the dish is ready to be served?
The dish is ready when the fennel is tender and the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly.
Should the dish be served immediately out of the oven?
It is recommended to let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 6 ingredients: fennel bulbs, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, and unsalted butter.
What kind of salt should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends using kosher salt.
What kind of pepper is best for this recipe?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor profile.
What is the texture of the finished fennel?
The fennel becomes tender and aromatic, enveloped in a creamy, golden-brown cheese crust.
Can I use the fennel fronds for anything?
While they are removed for the baking process, fennel fronds can often be saved and used as a garnish or in salads.
What type of baking dish is needed?
A large baking dish is required to accommodate the fennel wedges and cream mixture.
Is there any information on the sodium content?
The sodium content for this recipe is not specified in the provided data.
Is there any information on the sugar content?
The sugar content for this recipe is not specified in the provided data.