Fennel Roasted Tomato And Basil Relish Food

THE BEST ROASTED FENNEL

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 475 degrees F.
• Pick 2 tablespoons of the tender green fronds from the tops of the fennel bulbs and set aside. Cut the remaining top and bottom from each fennel bulb, then cut the bulb in half lengthwise through the core. Use the tip of the knife to cut an upside-down "V" on the bottom of each bulb to remove most of the core, leaving just enough so the bulb stays intact. Cut each half through the core into wedges, about 1/4 inch thick.
• Add the fennel bulb, thyme, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes and 3/4 teaspoon salt to a large bowl and toss until evenly coated. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet.
• Roast in the oven until the fennel is very tender and lightly browned in spots, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, top with the reserved fennel fronds and serve with the lemon wedges.

ROASTED FENNEL WITH TOMATOES

Steps:

• Core and thinly slice 2 fennel bulbs; chop some of the fronds. Peel the cloves from 1 garlic bulb and toss with the fennel and fronds, 1 quartered lemon, 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon each salt and sugar on a baking sheet. Roast in a 500 degrees F oven until golden, about 20 minutes. Toss in 1 pint grape tomatoes; roast until the tomatoes burst, 7 more minutes.

ROASTED TOMATO AND BASIL RELISH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350F.
• Combine all ingredients in 1-quart casserole.
• Bake until tomatoes are soft, about 30 minutes.
• Season to taste.
• Cool to room temperature before serving.

PASTA WITH ROASTED FENNEL AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange fennel halves cut side down in 8 x 8 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Drizzle with 1 1/2 tablespoons oil. Roast until fennel is light brown and tender, about 45 minutes. Cool. Cut fennel into 1/2-inch pieces.
• Heat remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until onions are tender, about 6 minutes. Add tomatoes with juice, oregano and sugar; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened to sauce consistency, about 6 minutes. Add fennel and simmer 5 minutes longer. Season sauce with salt and pepper.
• Meanwhile, cook spaghettini in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain. Return pasta to same pot.
• Add sauce to pasta; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to large bowl. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.

ROASTED TOMATO AND BASIL RELISH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients in 1-quart casserole. Bake until tomatoes are soft, about 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cool to room temperature.

ROASTED TOMATO AND FENNEL SOUP

Steps:

• Core tomatoes and cut in half lengthwise; arrange, cut side up, on foil lined rimmed baking sheet.
• In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of the oil, garlic and half each of the salt and pepper; brush over tomatoes.
• Bake in 350°F oven until softened and shriveled and bottoms are browned, about 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, trim fronds from fennel bulb and reserve; cut off stalks and discard.
• Cut fennel in half lengthwise.
• Trim out and discard core; cut fennel into 1/2 inch cubes.
• In large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil over medium heat; cook fennel, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 8 minutes.
• Add 1 1/2 cups water; reduce heat, cover and simmer until very tender, about 20 minutes.
• Pour into bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil into pan; cook onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add tomatoes and stock; bring to boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Transfer tomato mixture to blender or food processor; puree until smooth.
• Return to pan.
• Stir in cooked fennel, basil and remaining salt and pepper.
• (Make ahead: let cool and refrigerate in airtight container for up to 2 days.) Heat until steaming, about 5 minutes.
• In bowl, whisk vinegar with remaining oil.
• Ladle soup into bowls; garnish with drizzle of vinegar mixture.
• Arrange reserved fronds over top.