Creamy Fennel and Star Anise Soup
Indulge in this velvety Creamy Fennel and Star Anise Soup that marries the delicate sweetness of fennel with the warm, aromatic notes of star anise. This dish is not only comforting but also nutritious, making it perfect for cozy dinners or elegant gatherings. The combination of fennel, onion, and garlic brings depth of flavor, while the heavy cream adds a luxurious richness. Serve this delightful soup with a side of crusty bread for a meal that's sure to impress.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Fennel bulbs
2 (finely chopped)
Onion
1 (finely chopped)
Garlic clove
1 (crushed)
Leek
1 (white part only, finely chopped)
Small potato
1 (diced)
Fennel seeds
1 tablespoon (None)
Star anise
2 (None)
Chicken broth or vegetable broth
1/2 quart (None)
Heavy cream
3/4 cup (None)
Salt
to taste (None)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (None)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2
Add the finely chopped fennel bulbs, onion, garlic, leek, and diced potato. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened but not browned, about 8-10 minutes.
3
Stir in the fennel seeds and star anise, allowing them to release their aromatic flavors.
4
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until all the vegetables are completely soft.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the heavy cream, mixing until well combined.
6
Carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. For an ultra-smooth texture, pass the soup through a fine strainer or sieve to remove any fibrous bits. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7
Return the soup to the saucepan to reheat gently over low heat if necessary.
8
Serve hot with a drizzle of cream on top and additional freshly ground black pepper, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Fennel and Star Anise Soup?
It is a velvety soup that combines the delicate sweetness of fennel with the warm, aromatic notes of star anise.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the main vegetables used in this soup?
The soup contains fennel bulbs, onion, garlic, leek, and a small potato.
How much vegetable oil is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How many fennel bulbs are required?
You will need 2 fennel bulbs, finely chopped.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe requires 1 crushed garlic clove.
Which part of the leek is used?
Only the white part of the leek, finely chopped, is used in this soup.
What is the purpose of the potato in this recipe?
The diced potato is sautéed with the other vegetables to help provide body and thickness to the soup.
How many star anise pods are included?
The recipe uses 2 star anise pods to infuse the soup with flavor.
What kind of broth can I use?
You can use either 1/2 quart of chicken broth or vegetable broth.
How much heavy cream is added to the soup?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of heavy cream.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the vegetables for about 8-10 minutes until they are softened but not browned.
When do I add the fennel seeds and star anise?
Stir them in after the vegetables have softened to allow them to release their aromatic flavors.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for 5-10 minutes until all the vegetables are completely soft.
How is the soup blended?
The soup is carefully transferred to a blender and blended until smooth and creamy.
How can I achieve an ultra-smooth texture?
Pass the blended soup through a fine strainer or sieve to remove any fibrous bits.
What seasoning is recommended?
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How should the soup be reheated?
Return the soup to the saucepan and reheat gently over low heat if necessary.
What is the best way to serve this soup?
Serve it hot with a drizzle of cream on top, additional black pepper, and crusty bread for dipping.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, if you use vegetable broth, this soup is vegetarian-friendly.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include fennel, soup, creamy, vegetable, comfort food, star anise, healthy, and cozy.
Can this soup be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it is tagged as an appetizer and is perfect for elegant gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped.
Do I use whole fennel seeds?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds is used in the recipe.
Is the soup described as healthy?
Yes, the description notes that the dish is nutritious and healthy.
What type of pepper is best?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
Is there any sugar added?
No, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
What is the texture of the soup?
The soup has a velvety, creamy, and smooth texture.