When I was a child, we often ate fennel, but it was always served raw. Crunchy and refreshing, it appeared with a big bowl of assorted fruit after a meal. My father always said it was good for the digestion. Later I learned that he was right. Fennel is also high in antioxidants and vitamin C. When cooked, fennel turns soft and yielding and its mellow anise flavor is enhanced. This is one of my favorite ways to eat it.

This recipe for Creamy Baked Fennel Gratin is a comforting and indulgent side dish that showcases the delicate flavors of fennel. The fennel wedges are cooked until tender and then baked with cream and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese to create a creamy and flavorful gratin. It’s a perfect accompaniment to a variety of main dishes and is sure to impress your guests with its rich and comforting taste.

Indulge in this creamy and cheesy fennel gratin as a side dish for your favorite roasted meats, grilled fish, or even as part of a vegetarian feast. Its rich and comforting qualities make it a perfect addition to any meal.

Serves 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS

• Salt
• 2 large fennel bulbs, trimmed and cut into ½-inch-thick wedges
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into bits
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Freshly ground pepper
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Butter a 13- ×-9- ×-2-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the fennel and cook for 5 minutes, or until almost tender.
3. Drain the fennel in a colander and cool slightly under cold running water. Drain well and pat dry.
4. Place the fennel wedges in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
5. Dot the fennel with the butter and drizzle with the cream.
6. Sprinkle the fennel with pepper to taste and the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
7. Bake the gratin for 15 to 20 minutes, or until browned and bubbly.
8. Serve the Creamy Baked Fennel Gratin hot and enjoy its luscious and creamy flavors.

SERVING SUGEESTIONS:

1. Roasted Chicken: Serve the Creamy Baked Fennel Gratin alongside juicy roasted chicken for a comforting and flavorful combination. The creamy texture and savory flavors of the gratin complement the succulent chicken.
2. Grilled Fish: Pair the fennel gratin with grilled fish, such as salmon or sea bass. The creamy and cheesy gratin provides a nice contrast to the light and flaky fish, creating a satisfying and balanced meal.
3. Steak Dinner: Add a touch of elegance to your steak dinner by serving the Creamy Baked Fennel Gratin as a side. The creamy texture and delicate fennel flavor add a sophisticated element to the meal.
4. Vegetarian Delight: For a vegetarian feast, serve the fennel gratin alongside roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a hearty salad. The creamy and cheesy flavors of the gratin will provide a satisfying and indulgent element to the vegetarian spread.
5. Holiday Feast: Make the Creamy Baked Fennel Gratin a part of your holiday table. It pairs well with roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib, adding a creamy and flavorful side to your festive meal.
6. Dinner Party Side: Impress your guests at a dinner party by serving this gratin as a side dish. Its creamy and cheesy goodness will elevate any meal and make it memorable.