Baby Fennel with Salsa Verde
Elevate your next meal with the vibrant flavors of Baby Fennel with Salsa Verde—an elegant and nutrient-packed side dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. This recipe features tender, golden-browned baby fennel, browned to perfection in olive oil, paired with a zesty homemade salsa verde bursting with fresh parsley, tangy capers, and a touch of umami-rich anchovy. The balance of caramelized fennel and the bright, herbaceous dressing makes this dish a perfect accompaniment to roasted meats or as a standout vegetarian appetizer. Quick to prepare and versatile in serving, this dish is a must-try for those looking to add depth, freshness, and Mediterranean flair to their table.
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Ingredients
- 6 Baby fennel bulbs
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup, loosely packed Flat-leaf parsley
- 2 tablespoons Capers
- 2 Anchovy fillets
- 1 clove Garlic
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.25 cup Extra virgin olive oil
Directions
Step 1
Clean the baby fennel by trimming the stalks and fronds, reserving some fronds for garnish. Cut each bulb in half lengthwise.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the fennel halves. Blanch for 5 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Place the fennel cut-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4
To prepare the salsa verde, finely chop the parsley, capers, anchovy fillets, and garlic. Alternatively, use a food processor for a smoother consistency.
Step 5
In a small bowl, mix the chopped ingredients with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and extra virgin olive oil. Stir well to combine and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
Step 6
Arrange the cooked fennel on a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the salsa verde and garnish with reserved fennel fronds.
Step 7
Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or a light appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (278.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 978.9 |
| Total Fat 102.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 15.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g | |
| Cholesterol 20mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4913.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 7.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.9g | |
| Protein 14.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 160IU | 0% |
| Calcium 412.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 11.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 906.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories