Crispy Cream Braised Potatoes And Fennel Recipes

CRISPY CREAM-BRAISED POTATOES AND FENNEL

Steps:

• cut fennel lengthwise into wedges about 1.5" wide (leaving core intact).
• In a 3 to 4 quart pan, combine potatoes, fennel wedges, bay leaf, and fennel seed. Add enough half-and-half to fully cover the potatoes and fennel. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Over medium-high heat, bring the half-and-half to a simmer, then lower heat to just maintain the simmer. Cook until the potatoes and fennel are soft and tender, about 20 minutes. Take off the heat. The potatoes and fennel should be fully cooked at this point.
• While potatoes and fennel are braising, preheat broiler to medium-high. In a small bowl, combine rosemary, thyme, pecorino, and orange zest.
• Remove potatoes and fennel wedges from the half-and-half with a spider or slotted spoon, and transfer them to a gratin or casserole dish. Some of the half-and-half will cling to the vegetables, which is a good thing. Make sure to generously coat the bottom with olive oil to prevent sticking. Taste the potatoes and fennel for seasoning - if you need more salt or pepper, add them now. Toss with olive oil (about 1 tablespoon), then the herb-cheese-orange zest mixture. Arrange the potatoes and fennel wedges in a single layer to promote even browning.
• Place the casserole dish under the broiler (about 6 inches away from the source of heat). Broil for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the potatoes and fennel are caramelized and crispy around the edges. (I typically brown the vegetables more than the ones in the picture above -- just leave them under the broiler until they've reached your desired crispness!).

CRISPY POTATOES WITH FENNEL

Steps:

• Heat oven to 475°F. Rinse fennel thoroughly. Trim and discard root end of fennel bulb. Trim stalks from fennel bulb, reserving fronds for another use. Thinly slice bulb.
• In 9-inch cast-iron skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Remove from heat. Arrange half of the potato slices in skillet. Layer with fennel slices and remaining potatoes. Sprinkle with chopped thyme, the salt and pepper. Cover with foil.
• Bake 35 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 minutes longer or until potatoes are lightly browned. Serve hot or at room temperature. Garnish with thyme leaves.

BRAISED FENNEL AND POTATOES

Steps:

• Chop enough fennel fronds to measure 2 tablespoons, then cut off and discard stalks from bulb. Quarter bulb lengthwise and core, then cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
• Cook fennel, onion, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cut potatoes crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
• Add potatoes and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt to fennel mixture and cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, 3 minutes. Add water and cook, covered, stirring once, until potatoes are tender, 10 to 12 minutes more. Stir in fennel fronds before serving.