Oven-Roasted Parmesan Fennel
Oven-Roasted Parmesan Fennel is a delightful dish that showcases the sweet and subtly anise-like flavor of fennel bulbs. When baked, the fennel becomes tender and develops a satisfying crunchy texture from the crispy topping. Infused with rich milk and enhanced with golden-brown parmesan and breadcrumbs, this dish is not only visually appealing but also incredibly flavorful. Perfect as a side accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats, this recipe elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet experience, making it ideal for both casual meals and special occasions. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and don't forget to garnish with the feathery fronds for an extra touch of freshness.
4
Servings
100
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fennel bulbs
2 large (sliced lengthwise into 1/2 inch slices)
Milk
2 cups (for simmering)
Olive oil
4 tablespoons (divided)
Grated parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons (for topping)
Fresh breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (for topping)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
Begin by cleaning the fennel bulbs: remove the upper fronds and any tough outer layers. Slice the bulbs lengthwise into 1/2 inch thick slices.
3
Set aside the feathery fronds for later use as a garnish.
4
In a medium saucepan, place the sliced fennel and cover it with 2 cups of milk. Bring the milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
5
Cook the fennel in the simmering milk for about 10 minutes, or until it can easily be pierced with a fork. This step helps to soften the fennel while infusing it with creaminess.
6
Once cooked, carefully remove the fennel from the milk with a slotted spoon and gently pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
7
Layer the sliced fennel in a baking dish. Drizzle the fennel with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
8
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the fennel is tender and starts to caramelize.
9
While the fennel is baking, mix the remaining olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh breadcrumbs in a bowl until well combined.
10
After the initial baking time, remove the fennel from the oven and sprinkle the breadcrumb and cheese mixture evenly over the top.
11
Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
12
Once finished, remove from the oven, garnish with the reserved feathery fennel fronds, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
6g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oven-Roasted Parmesan Fennel?
Oven-Roasted Parmesan Fennel is a side dish featuring tender fennel bulbs simmered in milk and baked with a crispy parmesan and breadcrumb topping.
What does the flavor of fennel resemble?
Fennel has a sweet and subtly anise-like or licorice flavor that mellows and sweetens further when roasted.
How should I prepare the fennel bulbs for this recipe?
Clean the bulbs by removing the upper fronds and tough outer layers, then slice them lengthwise into 1/2 inch thick slices.
What should I do with the fennel fronds?
You should set the feathery fronds aside and use them later as a fresh garnish for the finished dish.
What is the purpose of simmering the fennel in milk?
Simmering the fennel in milk helps to soften the bulb while infusing it with a rich, creamy flavor before it is baked.
How long do I simmer the fennel in milk?
Simmer the sliced fennel in milk for about 10 minutes, or until it can easily be pierced with a fork.
What oven temperature is required for roasting?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C) for roasting the fennel.
How much milk is needed for the simmering process?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of milk to cover and simmer the fennel slices.
Do I need to dry the fennel after simmering?
Yes, after removing the fennel from the milk, you should gently pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
How much olive oil is used in the recipe?
A total of 4 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between the roasting process and the breadcrumb topping.
What are the initial baking instructions?
Layer the fennel in a baking dish, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake for 20 minutes.
What ingredients make up the crispy topping?
The topping is a mixture of grated parmesan cheese, fresh breadcrumbs, and the remaining olive oil.
How much parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese for the topping.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture.
How long is the final baking stage after adding the topping?
Once the breadcrumb mixture is added, bake the dish for an additional 10-15 minutes.
How can I tell when the dish is finished cooking?
The dish is done when the fennel is tender and the breadcrumb topping has become golden brown and crispy.
Can this dish be served at room temperature?
Yes, Oven-Roasted Parmesan Fennel can be served either warm or at room temperature.
What are good serving suggestions for this recipe?
It serves as a perfect side accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7 grams of fat per serving in this dish.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 6 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 3 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe considered a healthy side dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy side dish featuring nutrient-rich fennel and moderate portions of cheese and oil.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains vegetables, dairy, and grains but no meat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you would need to substitute the fresh breadcrumbs with a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This is categorized as a vegetable side dish and comfort food.
What seasoning is used for the fennel?
The fennel is seasoned generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Why is the fennel caramelized?
Caramelization happens during the initial 20-minute bake, which enhances the natural sweetness of the fennel bulbs.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: fennel bulbs, milk, olive oil, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.