Fennel Roasted Olives Recipes

THE BEST ROASTED FENNEL

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 475 degrees F.
• Pick 2 tablespoons of the tender green fronds from the tops of the fennel bulbs and set aside. Cut the remaining top and bottom from each fennel bulb, then cut the bulb in half lengthwise through the core. Use the tip of the knife to cut an upside-down "V" on the bottom of each bulb to remove most of the core, leaving just enough so the bulb stays intact. Cut each half through the core into wedges, about 1/4 inch thick.
• Add the fennel bulb, thyme, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes and 3/4 teaspoon salt to a large bowl and toss until evenly coated. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet.
• Roast in the oven until the fennel is very tender and lightly browned in spots, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, top with the reserved fennel fronds and serve with the lemon wedges.

ROASTED FENNEL WITH CHARRED TOMATOES, OLIVES, AND PECORINO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Nestle the fennel into a skillet, baking dish, or sheet pan so that it fits in one layer. Drizzle with the olive oil, turning to coat all sides. Season with salt and pepper, then finely grate half the pecorino cheese over the top. Roast until the fennel is fork-tender, about 45 minutes.
• Place the tomatoes, cut-side up, on top of the fennel. Turn the oven to broil. Broil the tomatoes until slightly charred and warmed through, 6 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle the olives and crumble the remaining pecorino cheese over the top before serving. Garnish with the parsley.

SLOW-ROASTED OLIVES WITH FENNEL AND ORANGE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Combine the olives with the remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl, tossing the mixture together with your hands. Transfer the olive mixture to a baking dish, cover with foil and bake for 2 hours.
• Drain the oil out (keep it to use as a bread dip) and serve the roasted olives warm or at room temperature with assorted cheeses.

ROASTED FENNEL WITH PARMESAN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Lightly oil the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Arrange the fennel in the dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then with the Parmesan. Drizzle with the oil. Bake until the fennel is fork-tender and the top is golden brown, about 45 minutes. Chop enough fennel fronds to equal 2 teaspoons, then sprinkle over the roasted fennel and serve.