Elevate your side dish game with this irresistibly fragrant Braised Fennel recipe! Tender fennel wedges are slowly cooked until buttery soft in a flavorful blend of olive oil, garlic, white wine, and vegetable broth. Their natural sweetness is complemented by a bright pop of lemon zest and the fresh, herbaceous finish of parsley. This vibrant dish, with its subtle licorice notes, is both elegant and comforting, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy-to-follow recipe is not only vegetarian but also a must-try for anyone looking to bring bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors to the table.
Trim the fennel bulbs by removing the stalks and fronds. Halve the bulbs lengthwise, then cut each half into 3-4 wedges, keeping the core intact to help hold the pieces together.
Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
Add the fennel wedges to the skillet in a single layer, cut side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 4-5 minutes.
Push the fennel to one side of the pan and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
Deglaze the pan by pouring in the white wine. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add the vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir gently to combine, ensuring some liquid covers the fennel wedges.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the fennel braise for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Remove the lid and let the liquid reduce slightly if needed for an additional 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
Transfer the braised fennel to a serving dish. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and lemon zest before serving.
Calories |
580 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.1 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.9 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2927 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.6 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.7 g | ||
| Protein | 4.8 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 62 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 550 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.