I’ve had a bit of a love affair with fennel in the past couple years. Many have turned it down considering it a second rate vegetable. As recently as last week I was asked “How can you like its anise flavor, it’s so overpowering?” I think I slightly blushed. I sometimes have a whole fennel bulb for lunch, sliced in paper-thin slices, and lightly drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. Does that make me weird? I think it might, but regardless, I stand by my vegetable. Fennel tastes differently when it’s eaten raw, grilled or roasted. If you’re not big on the anise flavor, enjoying fennel grilled is a good way to go.. and with goat cheese too, it’s really hard not to like.
Recipe, serves 4 (adapted from Donna Hay)
1 small fennel bulb, cut lengthwise
1/2 goat cheese log, cut into 1/4 inch slices
2 teaspoons dried oregano
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper
A handful of mache
1 tomato, sliced
Preheat your oven to 400 F. Slice the fennel lengthwise into 1/2 inch slices taking care to keep it intact. Drizzle with olive and the dried oregano and season with salt and pepper. Lay out on parchment lined baking sheet. Cook for 5 minutes. Take the fennel out and turn on the broiler. Add 2 to 3 slices of goat cheese on each fennel piece and return the baking sheet to the oven. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the fennel is soft and the goat cheese nicely golden brown. Serve atop of the mache and sliced tomatoes. Drizzle with extra olive oil, salt and pepper. Enjoy!
Enjoy the read!
Noodlegirl
January 23, 2009 at 1:28 am (15 years ago)That looks so delicious!
Dana Treat
January 23, 2009 at 3:09 am (15 years ago)Maybe a tiny bit weird to have fennel for lunch (unless there are accompaniments), but I love the goat cheese treatment. Fennel is most definitely overlooked!
pigpigscorner
January 23, 2009 at 4:29 am (15 years ago)I’ve never had fennel raw actually. I’ve only used it in stews. This looks really good. I should try this!
The Wind Attack
January 23, 2009 at 5:52 am (15 years ago)what pretty presentation!
Mevrouw Cupcake
January 23, 2009 at 9:52 am (15 years ago)This looks gorgeous! I fell in love with fennel after moving to Europe, and it’s one of my favorite vegetables now.
CookiePie
January 24, 2009 at 10:01 am (15 years ago)Beautiful salad!! I definitely share your love of fennel — it’s so delicious and elegant!
Deborah
January 24, 2009 at 2:24 pm (15 years ago)I am one who doesn’t love the anise flavor, but I’ve never tried grilled fennel. I need to try it now!
Cherie
January 25, 2009 at 10:40 am (15 years ago)Wondeful. Fresh and delicious. I love fennel, in every shape and form. Naysayers should give it try!
Joie de vivre
January 25, 2009 at 11:18 pm (15 years ago)Oooh la la. So very French. I always forget about this humble veggie. I must try your recipe.
Núria
January 28, 2009 at 5:19 am (15 years ago)I love Fennel’s aroma but never use it in my kitchen. You have convinced me here 😀
lisa (dandysugar)
January 29, 2009 at 2:26 pm (15 years ago)Beautiful salad. I love the flavor of fennel in a raw salad, it’s so fresh and crisp. I just stumbled upon your blog- such a gorgeous space!
Lorraine @NotQuiteNigella
January 29, 2009 at 7:36 pm (15 years ago)I’ve started to like fennel recently when it’s shaved thinly in a salad with herbs and dressing. Although if I was served your salad I would jump straight in, it looks fantastic and vibrant!
Sophie
February 26, 2009 at 7:22 am (15 years ago)MMMMM…. so healthy & delicious!!!
La Table De Nana
March 2, 2009 at 9:20 am (15 years ago)What a great idea ! I will have to try the cheese in the fennel..I love it also.Thank you.