Braised Fennel With Saffron Rice Food

BRAISED RICE WITH SAFFRON

Steps:

• Bring the chicken stock to a simmer in a 2-3 quart saucepan and keep it barely simmering over low heat.
• In a heavy 3qt flamproof casserole, melt 4 tbls butter over moderate heat. Cook the onions in the butter, stirring frequently, for 7-8 minutes. Do not let them brown.
• Stir in the optional marrow, then add the rice and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes, or until the grains glisten with the butter and are somewhat opaque.
• Pour in the wine and boil it until it is almost completely absorbed.
• Add 2 cups of the simmering stock to the rice and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until almost all of the liquid is absored.
• Add 2 more cups of stock and cook, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, stir the saffron into 2 cups of stock and let it steep for a few minutes.
• Pour it over the rice. Cook until the stock is completely absorbed.
• By now the rice should be tender. If it is still firm, add the remaining stock- 1/2 cup at a time - and continue cooking and stirring until the rice is soft.
• Stir in 4 tabl of soft butter and the grated cheese with a fork, taking care not to mash the rice.
• Serve at once while the rice is creamy and piping hot.

BRAISED FENNEL

Steps:

• Trim stalks flush with fennel bulb and cut each bulb lengthwise into quarters, or halves, if using small bulbs.
• In a heavy saucepan large enough to hold the fennel flat in one layer, melt 1 tablespoon butter over moderate heat.
• Add fennel garlic, thyme, and toss to coat with butter.
• Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Add wine and chicken stock.
• Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cover.
• Braise for 15 to 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
• Stir in remaining tablespoon butter.
• Reseason with salt and pepper, to taste.

BRAISED FENNEL AND LINE-CAUGHT LAGOON FISH

Steps:

• Cut each fennel bulb into 4 slices. Place the fennel bulbs in a large pan over medium heat. Add the salt, sugar, saffron, grapefruit juice and orange juice to the pan. Cover with baking parchment paper and bring to a simmer. Braise the fennel until soft. Remove 2 of the fennel slices and the cooking juices from the pan. Place into a blender and blend into a puree. The remaining 2 fennel bulbs will be used in the presentation of the dish.
• Place a pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. While the oil is heating, sprinkle the fish with salt and pepper. Once the oil in the pan is hot, sear the fish skin-side down for 2 minutes before flipping over and cooking an additional 2 minutes.
• Place a spoonful of the fennel puree on a plate and smooth it onto the plate in a circular motion, creating a bed of fennel puree. On top of the puree, add the braised fennel pieces. Place the seared fish on top of the braised fennel and serve.