Category: Vegetable
Fennel is a vegetable that belongs to the carrot family. It has a bulbous base, long green stalks, and feathery leaves. The bulb has a mild licorice-like flavor and a crunchy texture, similar to celery. Fennel can be eaten raw in salads, roasted, grilled, or sautéed. It is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine and is known for its aromatic and slightly sweet taste.
Flavor Profiles:
- Savory
- Sweet
- Aromatic
- Licorice
What goes with Fennel:
- Orange – The sweetness of orange complements the mild anise flavor of fennel, while the acidity provides a nice contrast.
- Lemons – Lemons pair well with fennel because the citrusy acidity of the lemons complements the slightly sweet and licorice-like flavor of the fennel.
- Fish – The anise flavor of fennel pairs well with many types of seafood, enhancing their natural flavors.
- Garlic – Garlic’s pungent, savory taste complements fennel’s subtle sweetness, especially in Italian-inspired dishes like braised fennel and meat dishes.
- Olive Oil – The fruity, peppery taste of olive oil brings out the subtle sweetness of fennel when sautéing or roasting it.
- Butter – Butter pairs well with fennel because the rich, creamy flavor of the butter complements the slightly sweet and licorice-like taste of the fennel.
- Parmesan Cheese – The rich, nutty taste of Parmesan cheese balances the mild, sweet flavor of raw fennel in salads and slaws.
- Potatoes – The earthy flavor of potatoes pairs well with fennel in soups, stews, and gratins, mellowing the anise taste.
- Balsamic Vinegar – The sweet and tangy notes of balsamic vinegar harmonize with fennel’s mild licorice flavor, creating a delightful, balanced taste in salads and side dishes.
- Onion – Onion pairs well with fennel because their flavors complement each other, with the onion providing a sharp, pungent taste that balances out the sweet, licorice-like flavor of the fennel.
- Lemon Juice – The bright acidity of lemon juice complements the subtle licorice flavor of fennel.
- Salt – Salt pairs well with fennel because it enhances the natural sweetness and licorice-like flavor of the herb.
- Pepper – Pepper pairs well with fennel because the spiciness of the pepper complements the slightly sweet and licorice-like flavor of the fennel.
- Oranges – The citrus notes of oranges complement the licorice-like flavor of fennel, creating a refreshing combination.
- Chicken Broth – The savory and slightly sweet flavor of chicken broth complements the licorice-like taste of fennel.
- Shrimp – Shrimp pairs well with fennel because the sweet and slightly licorice-like flavor of the fennel complements the delicate and slightly sweet taste of the shrimp.
- Fennel Seeds – Using fennel seeds in conjunction with fresh fennel bulbs intensifies the licorice flavor, making it a great addition to stuffing, marinades, and spice blends.
- Arborio Rice – Arborio rice pairs well with fennel due to its creamy texture and ability to absorb the subtle licorice flavor of the fennel.
- White Wine – The crisp acidity and citrus notes of white wine complement the licorice-like flavor of fennel.