Fennel Gratin With Pecorino And Lemon Food

PARMESAN FENNEL GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Remove the stalks from each fennel bulb and discard. Cut the bulbs in half lengthwise through the core. Remove most (but not all) of the core by cutting a V-shaped wedge, leaving the wedges intact. Cut each piece into 2, 3, or 4 wedges, depending on the size of the bulb. Arrange the wedges, cut side up, in a gratin dish just large enough to hold them snugly in a single layer. Pour the chicken stock and wine over the fennel, then sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of salt and 3/4 teaspoon of pepper. Dot with the diced butter. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the fennel is tender. Remove from the oven and raise the oven temperature to 425 degrees F.
• Meanwhile, make the topping. Combine the melted butter, panko, Parmesan, parsley, zest, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Sprinkle evenly on top and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until the topping is browned. Serve hot or warm.
• Note: The ingredient quantities were proportionally increased for this episode.

FENNEL & LEMON RISOTTO

Steps:

• Chop any green leafy fennel fronds and set aside. Cut off the stalk-like fennel top, remove the outer layers and finely chop both. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a frying pan and cook the onion, garlic and chopped fennel until soft but not coloured.
• Add the rice and stir for 1 min. Pour over most of the wine and simmer until evaporated. Add 500ml of the hot stock, a ladleful at a time, stirring between each addition until it is absorbed.
• Meanwhile, slice remaining fennel and fry in knob of butter until browned. Add remaining stock and wine and cook until tender.
• When the rice is cooked, stir in the zest, Parmesan and some seasoning. Take off the heat and set aside, covered, for 2 mins. Serve in bowls, topped with the fennel fronds and cooked fennel, stirring the prawns through if using.

FENNEL GRATIN

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6 and put a pan of salted water on to boil. Trim the fennel tops, then cut into wedges. Boil for 5-6 mins, then drain well. Arrange in an ovenproof dish, season and sprinkle with nutmeg. Stir the garlic into the cream and pour over the fennel. Top with the Parmesan, then bake for 20 mins until golden.

FENNEL GRATIN

Steps:

• Halve, core and slice 3 fennel bulbs 1/2 inch thick. Boil in salted water with 1/2 lemon until tender, about 15 minutes; drain. Arrange in a buttered 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with a mix of 1/4 cup each parmesan and panko, 3/4 teaspoon chopped fennel seeds, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper; dot with 3 tablespoons butter. Broil until golden, about 3 minutes. Top with chopped fennel fronds.

FENNEL GRATIN WITH PECORINO AND LEMON

Steps:

• Gratin: Lightly oil shallow 2-quart glass or ceramic baking dish. Heat 5 tablespoons oil in large wide pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft but not brown, about 5 minutes. Add fennel; increase heat to medium-high and sauté until fennel is slightly softened and beginning to brown, stirring frequently, about 18 minutes. Stir in broth and next 4 ingredients. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until most of broth is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Transfer to dish. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly; cover and chill. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before baking.
• Crumb topping: Melt butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add panko; sauté until golden, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature. Stir Pecorino, parsley, and peel into panko. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Store airtight in refrigerator.
• Preheat oven to 425°F Sprinkle panko mixture over fennel. Bake until gratin is heated through and topping is deep golden, about 20 minutes. Serve warm.

ROASTED FENNEL AND CARROTS WITH PECORINO

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly oil 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Layer sliced fennel and carrots in dish, sprinkling layers with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with thyme, then cheese. Drizzle with oil. Bake until vegetables are tender and top is golden brown, about 1 1/4 hours. Sprinkle with fronds.

FENNEL WITH PECORINO CHEESE

Steps:

• Place the fennel in a saucepan with the garlic, lemon, olive oil and salt.
• Pour over enough water to cover the fennel, and bring to the boil.
• Reduce the heat, and simmer for 20 minutes or until just tender.
• Drain well.
• Place the fennel in a heatproof dish, drizzle with the melted butter, then sprinkle with the cheese.
• Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper.
• Place under a hot grill (broiler?) until the cheese has melted and browned.
• Serve immediately.