Herb-Infused Baked Fennel with Vermouth Glaze
This Herb-Infused Baked Fennel with Vermouth Glaze is a delectable and aromatic vegetable dish that elevates the natural sweetness of fennel through baking. The subtle anise flavor of fennel, combined with the rich buttery vermouth sauce, makes for a stunning side dish or a light main course. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy family dinner, this easy-to-follow recipe creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in any kitchen. Serve it alongside roasted meats, seafood, or as part of a vibrant vegetable medley.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
fennel
3 (heads, trimmed and sliced)
garlic
1 (clove, finely sliced)
butter
4 (tablespoons)
vermouth
10 (ounces)
salt
to taste (freshly ground black pepper )
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
2
Prepare the fennel: Remove any discolored parts, trim the tops, and then slice each head from top to root into approximately 4 wedges. Reserve a few fennel fronds for garnish.
3
In a spacious baking dish, combine the sliced fennel, finely sliced garlic, butter, vermouth, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4
To create a steaming effect while baking, cut a piece of parchment paper, run it under cold water, and scrunch it up to soften it. Lay it snugly over the fennel mixture, ensuring it hugs the vegetables tightly.
5
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the fennel is tender and has absorbed the delightful flavors.
6
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and scatter the reserved fennel fronds over the top for a fresh garnish before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Baked Fennel with Vermouth Glaze?
It is an aromatic vegetable dish where fennel is baked with a buttery vermouth glaze to enhance its natural sweetness.
What does baked fennel taste like?
Baked fennel has a subtle anise or licorice flavor that becomes sweet and mellow during the roasting process.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include fennel heads, garlic, butter, vermouth, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius.
How should I prepare the fennel heads?
Remove any discolored parts, trim the tops, and slice each head from top to root into approximately 4 wedges.
What should I do with the fennel fronds?
Reserve a few of the green fronds to use as a fresh garnish once the dish is cooked.
How much garlic is required for this recipe?
One clove of garlic, finely sliced, is used to season the dish.
What type of alcohol is used in the glaze?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of vermouth to create the glaze.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of butter.
What is the purpose of the parchment paper in this recipe?
The parchment paper is used to create a steaming effect, helping the fennel cook evenly and absorb flavors.
How do I prepare the parchment paper for the steaming effect?
Cut a piece of parchment, run it under cold water, and scrunch it up to soften it before laying it over the fennel.
How long does the fennel need to bake?
The fennel should bake for approximately 20 minutes.
How do I know when the baked fennel is ready?
It is ready when the fennel is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the butter and vermouth.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What dishes pair well with baked fennel?
It serves as a great side dish for roasted meats, seafood, or as part of a vegetable medley.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative or olive oil to make it vegan.
How many fennel heads do I need?
You will need 3 heads of fennel for this recipe.
Can I use dry white wine instead of vermouth?
Yes, dry white wine is a common substitute for vermouth in savory baking recipes.
Is this a healthy side dish option?
Yes, fennel is a nutritious vegetable and this preparation method focuses on natural aromatics.
What kind of baking dish should I use?
A spacious baking dish is recommended so the fennel wedges can lay relatively flat and absorb the glaze.
Should the parchment paper be dry?
No, the instructions specify running the parchment paper under cold water and scrunching it up to soften it.
Does the fennel need to be peeled?
Fennel does not usually need peeling, just trimming of the tops and removal of any bruised or discolored outer layers.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 heads of fennel, which generally serves 3 to 4 people as a side dish.
Can I store leftovers of this dish?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How should I reheat the fennel?
Reheat gently in the oven or in a skillet on the stovetop to preserve the texture of the glaze.
What is the texture of the fennel after baking?
The fennel becomes tender and soft, having been steamed under the wet parchment and glazed in butter.
Can I add other herbs to this dish?
While the recipe focuses on the fennel fronds, you can add thyme or rosemary for additional aromatic depth.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, with only 5 main ingredients and simple slicing steps, it is very beginner-friendly.
Should the garlic be minced or sliced?
The recipe recommends finely slicing the garlic.
Can I use sweet vermouth instead of dry?
Dry vermouth is usually preferred for savory dishes; sweet vermouth may make the dish significantly sweeter.