Recipe for FENNEL

Fennel, Kale, and Apple Salad:

Ingredients:

• 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 4 cups kale, stems removed and leaves thinly sliced
• 1 large apple, cored and thinly sliced (use a sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced fennel, kale, apple, toasted walnuts, feta cheese, and dried cranberries or raisins if using.
2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
4. Toss the salad until the dressing evenly coats the ingredients. Massage the kale slightly with your hands to help tenderize it.
5. Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
6. Serve the salad as a refreshing and nutritious side dish. Optionally, you can garnish with additional toasted walnuts or crumbled feta cheese before serving.

This salad combines the crispness of fennel, the hearty texture of kale, and the sweetness of apples, creating a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The dressing adds a zesty and slightly sweet touch to tie everything together. Enjoy this salad as a light lunch or a side dish with your favorite main course!

Roasted Fennel:

Ingredients:

• 2 large fennel bulbs, trimmed and cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss the fennel wedges with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Arrange the fennel wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the fennel is tender, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
5. Optional: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the roasted fennel during the last 5 minutes of baking.
6. Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh herbs, and serve.

These recipes highlight the distinct flavor of fennel, whether it’s crisp and refreshing in a salad or caramelized and savory when roasted. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences, and feel free to customize the recipes with additional ingredients if you like!