Crispy Fennels au Gratin
Everyone complains that over winter there are less tasty veggies to accompany your favourite main dishes. If you want to try a tasty and easy way of preparing fennels and serve a tasteful side dish, I got you! With these crispy fennels au gratin, you will have a new winter favorite!
Italian name: Finocchi gratinati [fiˈnɔkki ɡratiˈnati]
For my whole childhood I thought cooked fennels were terrible, thanks to my mom’s dislike for them. It wasn’t until I ordered fennels au gratin at a restaurant that I realized how wrong I was. Their sweetness and the crunchy texture completely won me over, and now, grated fennels are one of my favorite side dishes!
If you want to fall in love with these crispy fennels au gratin too, keep on reading!
Why It’s Worth a Spot on Your Table
This recipe is extremely easy to prepare: it will take almost no effort and is also perfect for meal prep. You can use this side dish to accompany a stew, your favourite main dish, or this chickpea cream with lemon and rosemary for a balanced, Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients for 4 servings
- 2 big fennel bulbs
- Breadcrumbs
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Fennel bulbs
Fennels are an amazing vegetable that can be enjoyed over the coldest months of the year. They have a very sweet aftertaste, particularly when cooked, and they are loaded with fibers, vitamin C, and digestive benefits!
Tips
- Try not to overcook the vegetables, otherwise they will break apart as soon as you drain them.
- Do not throw away the fronds! They can be used in salads or boiled to prepare a sweet herbal tea, ideal to help you digest.
- To add more depth of flavor, mix herbs like thyme or oregano with the breadcrumbs.
Step by Step Recipe
- Preheat the oven at 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the fennels and slice them in wedges, then boil them in salted water until soft. 5 minutes since the water boils should be enough.
- Drain the fennels and place them on a baking tray. Drizzle them with some oil and pepper and mix well.
- Now, pour enough breadcrumbs on top and stir until all the fennels are well covered.
- Bake the fennels for 15/20 minutes, until crispy and golden.
- Serve the crispy fennels au gratin with your favorite main dish and enjoy!
If you want to complete your fall menu, consider using these crispy fennels as an appetizer and pair them with this cozy vegan mushroom pasta.
Are you looking for other vegan recipes? I got you!
Recipe Card
Crispy Fennels au Gratin
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 big fennel bulbs
- Breadcrumbs
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven at 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the fennels and slice them in wedges, then boil them in salted water until soft. 5 minutes since the water boils should be enough.
- Drain the fennels and place them on a baking tray. Drizzle them with some oil and pepper and mix well.
- Now, pour enough breadcrumbs on top and stir until all the fennels are well covered.
- Bake the fennels for 15/20 minutes, until crispy and golden.
- Serve the crispy fennels au gratin with your favorite main dish and enjoy!
May I tempt you? Here you can find other Italian classics!
FAQs
How can I store this dish?
Store the cooked fennels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to regain their crispiness.
Can I make it gluten free?
Of course! Just use gluten free breadcrumbs and you are all set!
Can I add some parmesan on top?
Sure! You can add parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs and an extra layer of parmesan on top before baking.
Did I forget something? Don’t be shy and ask in the comments!
