Braised Fennel With Fresh Figs Recipes

BRAISED FENNEL WITH FRESH FIGS

Steps:

• Chop the onion and two of the figs coarsely and put them in a saucepan large enough to hold all the fennel. Add the chicken stock and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Meanwhile, cut the dark green ends away from the fennel and reserve for other use or discard. Cut the rest lengthwise into quarters and add them to the pan.
• Cover the pan tightly and let the fennel cook at a very low simmer until it is tender, about 30 minutes. (Note: It is not necessary to cover the fennel with liquid; it will cook evenly in the tightly covered pan.)
• Remove the fennel from the pan juices.
• Puree the pan juices in a food processor or blender, adding lemon juice to taste. Taste for seasoning.
• To serve, cut the tips from the remaining figs and cut them lengthwise into thin slices, leaving them attached at the base. They will fall open into a fan shape. Place one at the edge of each of eight small salad plates.
• Overlap two fennel quarters at the center and spoon some of the puree over the fennel.
• Garnish the rest of the plate with a handful of greens and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano.

BRAISED FENNEL

Steps:

• Cut the green stalks from the top of the white fennel bulbs and cut the brown, round stump from the base. Cut fronds from stalks. Chop the fronds and set aside 2 tablespoons for serving. Cut bulbs in half 4 times, making 8 wedges out of each.
• Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add fennel wedges, flat-side down, and brown for 3 minutes. Flip and cook for about 2 minutes more. Add garlic and thyme and cook for 30 seconds. Add wine and deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let wine reduce by half. Pour in chicken broth and orange juice.
• Reduce heat to medium. Cover and simmer until fennel is very tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Plate fennel. Sprinkle with salt and garnish with orange zest and fennel fronds.

BRAISED FENNEL

Steps:

• Cut off and discard stalks from fennel bulbs, reserving fronds. Chop 1 tablespoon fronds and discard remainder. Cut bulbs lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick slices, leaving core intact.
• Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown fennel slices well, turning over once, 3 to 4 minutes total.
• Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle fennel with salt and pepper, then add broth and water. Cook, covered, until fennel is tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle with fennel fronds.