To prepare a delicious dish with fennel, we start by boiling the fennel bulbs in a pot of salted water. Make sure the water is well salted to enhance the flavors. When the fennel fronds become slightly crispy and a fork easily pierces them, it is time to stop boiling. It is essential not to overboil them, as we want to maintain a slightly crunchy texture. Remove the fennel from the water and let it drain.
In a skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the finely chopped carrot, celery, and diced onion. Sautéing these vegetables will release a delicious aroma that will form the base of our dish. Sauté the vegetables for about a minute, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. If you notice they start to stick, you can add a little water or vegetable broth to help them cook evenly.
After the vegetables have softened a bit, add the tomato sauce, stirring well to combine the flavors. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes so that it reduces slightly and becomes more concentrated. In the meantime, slice the fennel bulbs thinly and add them to the skillet. Gently stir to coat the fennel slices with the tomato sauce and let them cook together for about 3-4 minutes. During this time, make sure the sauce does not reduce too much; if necessary, you can add water or vegetable broth to keep a creamy and tasty mixture. Season with salt to taste, but be careful not to overdo it, as the tomato sauce might already be salty.
Once the fennel has absorbed the flavors of the sauce, transfer it to a baking dish. Sprinkle grated parmesan or cheese on top, depending on your preferences. This layer of cheese will add a savory flavor and a delicious crust. Then, place the dish in the preheated oven or you can use the grill, allowing the dish to bake for 10-15 minutes. You will notice how the cheese melts and becomes golden, while the flavors blend wonderfully. Serve the dish warm, alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread, to complete this special meal.
In a skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the finely chopped carrot, celery, and diced onion. Sautéing these vegetables will release a delicious aroma that will form the base of our dish. Sauté the vegetables for about a minute, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. If you notice they start to stick, you can add a little water or vegetable broth to help them cook evenly.
After the vegetables have softened a bit, add the tomato sauce, stirring well to combine the flavors. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes so that it reduces slightly and becomes more concentrated. In the meantime, slice the fennel bulbs thinly and add them to the skillet. Gently stir to coat the fennel slices with the tomato sauce and let them cook together for about 3-4 minutes. During this time, make sure the sauce does not reduce too much; if necessary, you can add water or vegetable broth to keep a creamy and tasty mixture. Season with salt to taste, but be careful not to overdo it, as the tomato sauce might already be salty.
Once the fennel has absorbed the flavors of the sauce, transfer it to a baking dish. Sprinkle grated parmesan or cheese on top, depending on your preferences. This layer of cheese will add a savory flavor and a delicious crust. Then, place the dish in the preheated oven or you can use the grill, allowing the dish to bake for 10-15 minutes. You will notice how the cheese melts and becomes golden, while the flavors blend wonderfully. Serve the dish warm, alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread, to complete this special meal.
Ingredients
* 2 large fennel bulbs * 1 carrot * 1 celery - green stalk * 1 small onion * 2 tablespoons oil * 1/2 cup white wine (optional) * 2 cups tomato sauce - passata * grated parmesan or cheese that melts * salt