Fennel cream

Fennel Cream - A Healthy and Comforting Delicacy

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Imagine a creamy soup with a delicate flavor and velvety texture that combines fresh vegetables with a touch of melted cheese. This is fennel cream, a dish that not only delights the taste buds but also offers numerous nutritional benefits. Fennel, with its distinctive aroma, perfectly complements the other ingredients, providing a unique and comforting taste. Let's discover together how to prepare this simple and delicious recipe!

The story behind the recipe

Fennel cream is a traditional dish often served as an appetizer or soup, which has won the hearts of many due to its versatility. Fennel is a fragrant vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, appreciated for its beneficial properties on digestion. This simple recipe can be easily adapted to suit everyone's tastes, quickly becoming a favorite in your family.

Necessary ingredients

- 2 large fennels
- 1 tomato
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 triangles of melted cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Water (or vegetable broth, for extra flavor)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing all the vegetables under a stream of cold water to remove impurities. Cut the fennel, carrot, onion, and tomato into suitable pieces so they cook evenly. The garlic clove can be left whole, but you can chop it finely to intensify the flavor.

2. Boiling the vegetables
Place the vegetables in a pot and add enough water to cover them, seasoning with salt. If using a pressure cooker, boil the vegetables for 5 minutes; if using a regular pot, boil for about 30 minutes until tender.

3. Draining the vegetables
Once the vegetables are cooked, drain the water but keep a few tablespoons of the liquid they were cooked in, in case the resulting cream is too thick.

4. Pureeing the vegetables
Transfer the cooked vegetables to a blender or use an immersion mixer to puree until you achieve a smooth texture. Add the melted cheese and mix well, adjusting the consistency with a little water or reserved vegetable broth.

5. Adjusting the taste
Finally, taste the cream and adjust with salt if necessary. If desired, you can also add some fresh herbs like parsley or dill to enhance the flavor.

6. Serving
Serve the fennel cream warm in deep bowls, possibly topped with toasted bread croutons or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor. This soup pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a slice of crusty bread.

Helpful tips

- Choose fresh ingredients: Use seasonal vegetables as they have more flavor and nutrients.
- Vary the flavors: You can add spices like cumin or curry to give the recipe a different dimension.
- Perfect consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more water or vegetable broth. If you want a thicker texture, let the cream simmer for a few minutes to reduce.

Nutritional benefits

This fennel cream is not only tasty but also extremely beneficial for health. Fennel aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties, while carrots are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports eye health. Garlic, known for its antimicrobial properties, perfectly complements this dish.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Sure! You can substitute the melted cheese with goat cheese or feta cheese for a stronger flavor.

2. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, by eliminating the cheese and replacing it with a plant-based cream, you can achieve a completely vegan soup.

3. What other dishes can fennel cream be paired with?
It pairs excellently with grilled chicken or fish, as well as a fresh vegetable salad.

Variations of the recipe

- Fennel cream with potatoes: Add one medium potato cut into cubes to enrich the texture.
- Spicy fennel cream: Add a chopped chili pepper for a spicier taste.
- Fennel cream with herbs: Replace the garlic with green onion and add fresh basil for a Mediterranean flavor.

In conclusion, fennel cream is a simple yet refined recipe that promises to transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. Experiment with the ingredients and adjust the taste to your preferences! Enjoy your meal!