Description
Tender wedges of fennel are caramelized and braised in a bright orange sauce, then finished with a scattering of fresh pomegranate seeds for a stunning and flavorful side dish. This recipe brings out fennel’s natural sweetness while adding citrusy depth and juicy contrast in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 large fennel bulbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced (about ½ cup juice)
- ½ cup chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup fresh pomegranate seeds
- 2 tablespoons fennel fronds, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Trim the fennel bulbs, reserving some fronds for garnish. Slice each bulb in half lengthwise, then cut into wedges, keeping the core intact so the wedges hold together.
- Heat olive oil in a large covered skillet or braising pan over medium-high heat. Arrange the fennel wedges in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 3–5 minutes per side until golden and caramelized.
- Add orange juice, zest, and chicken stock to the pan. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until fennel is fork-tender.
- Remove fennel wedges with a slotted spoon and transfer to a serving platter.
- Add the butter to the pan and simmer the remaining liquid uncovered for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Spoon the sauce over the fennel. Garnish with chopped fennel fronds and pomegranate seeds. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use vegetable stock to make it vegetarian.
- Add red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
- Finish with a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
- Top with toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch.
- Can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: undefined
