Braised Fennel

Fennel is braised in a zesty, savory chicken broth, white wine, and orange juice blend and served with chopped fennel fronds for an elevated, but easy, side dish.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 278 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 medium orange, zested and juiced
• 2 medium fennel bulbs
• ½ cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Cut the green stalks from the top of the white fennel bulbs and cut the brown, round stump from the base. Cut fronds from stalks. Chop the fronds and set aside 2 tablespoons for serving. Cut bulbs in half 4 times, making 8 wedges out of each.

Step 2

Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add fennel wedges, flat-side down, and brown for 3 minutes. Flip and cook for about 2 minutes more. Add garlic and thyme and cook for 30 seconds. Add wine and deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let wine reduce by half. Pour in chicken broth and orange juice.

Step 3

Reduce heat to medium. Cover and simmer until fennel is very tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 4

Plate fennel. Sprinkle with salt and garnish with orange zest and fennel fronds.