Recognized for its subtly sweet flavor reminiscent of licorice and anise, fennel is absolutely delicious. It's also an incredibly versatile vegetable, with every part—crunchy bulb, fibrous stalk, feathery fronds, flavorful seeds, and even the pollen—is edible and great in any fennel recipes. Rich, hearty steaks get an earthy boost from this herb. A bit of fennel goes a long way in perfuming soups. And to use the rest of the bunch, incorporate pickled fennel recipes to give a tangy edge to meatier dishes. Soups, salads, sandwiches, and more—we've rounded up our favorite fennel recipes.
Giant Fennel-Chile-Rubbed Steak
This T-bone steak is grilled with a simple rub of ground fennel seeds, black peppercorns, and red chile flakes. Get the recipe for Giant Fennel-Chile-Rubbed Steak »
Seared Octopus with Fennel Pollen and Smoked Paprika
When making this elegant seafood appetizer from Franklin restaurant in Tasmania, make sure you wash the octopus thoroughly to remove any grit. Get the recipe for Seared Octopus with Fennel Pollen and Smoked Paprika »
Spaghetti with Oven-Roasted Tomatoes and Caramelized Fennel
We like to serve this pasta topped with a little shaved bottarga, the dried salted roe of tuna or gray mullet; a sprinkle adds a briny, salty note that beautifully offsets sweet, oven roasted plum tomatoes. Get the recipe for Spaghetti with Oven-Roasted Tomatoes and Caramelized Fennel »
Fennel Oil
Kyle Itani of Itani Ramen uses this delicate, anise-scented oil to top off his home-style chicken ramen. Get the recipe for Fennel Oil »
Arugula, Radicchio, and Fennel Salad
Walnuts and parmesan add richness to this crunchy salad from The Yellow Table’s Anna Watson Carl. Get the recipe for Arugula, Radicchio, and Fennel Salad »
Tomato and Cucumber Salad With Fennel Dressing
Tomatoes and cucumbers are a classic combination. Here, Eli Sussman of the Sussman Brothers modernizes the summer staple with heirloom varieties of the titular ingredients and brings them together with a caramelized fennel–lemon dressing. Get the recipe for Tomato and Cucumber Salad With Fennel Dressing »
Israeli Cous Cous With Ras El Hanout, Fennel, and Carrot
Ras el hanout, the North African spice blend, along with fresh orange zest and juice, mint, and cilantro, give Israeli cous cous a fresh feel and flavor in this simple weeknight meal. Get the recipe for Israeli Cous Cous With Ras El Hanout, Fennel, and Carrot »
Grouper in Crab Sauce with Black Quinoa and Pickled Fennel
Meaty butter-basted grouper fillets are topped with a butter-rich, citrusy crab sauce and served over wilted kale and quinoa. Pickled fennel adds a dose of herby flavor that brings the dish together. Get the recipe for Grouper in Crab Sauce with Black Quinoa and Pickled Fennel »
Warm Wheat Berry Salad with Fava Beans and Trout Roe
This warm salad, from Elise Kornack of the Brooklyn restaurant Take Root, is a satisfying main course thanks to chewy, protein-packed wheat berries topped with fennel. Get the recipe for Warm Wheat Berry Salad with Fava Beans and Trout Roe »
Grilled Skirt Steak with Herb Salad
This steak is seasoned simply with salt and pepper and served with a light herb salad with a whole grain mustard and honey dressing. Get the recipe for Grilled Skirt Steak with Herb Salad »
Open-Faced Rye, Poached Red Snapper, Pickled Radish, and Salsa Verde Sandwich
Open Faced Rye, Poached Red Snapper, Pickled Radish, and Salsa Verde Sandwich, Tasmania
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