Roasted Or Grilled Vegetables With Fennel And Walnut Butter 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.

FENNEL-ROASTED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Prepare all vegetables and place in a large bowl. Cover generously with olive oil and Fennel Spice Rub. Cover and toss well to combine.
• Heat a very large ovenproof skillet over high heat. Add 1/4 cup of the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the carrots and cook for about 1 minute, then add the onions and cook, turning occasionally with tongs, until the vegetables are nicely browned, about 10 minutes. Reduce the heat if needed to keep them from burning.
• Add the fennel bulb, zucchini, additional Fennel Spice Rub or crushed fennel seed, and salt, to taste. Toss well to distribute the seasonings. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and toss again. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast until the vegetables are deeply caramelized, 20 to 25 minutes, stirring them occasionally so they cook evenly. Serve immediately.
• Put the fennel seeds, coriander seeds, and peppercorns in a heavy pan over medium heat. Watch carefully, tossing frequently so the seeds toast evenly. When light brown and fragrant, pour the seeds onto a plate to cool. They must be cool before grinding, or they will gum up the blades.
• Pour the seeds into a blender and add the salt. Blend to a fine powder, shaking the blender occasionally to redistribute the seeds. Store in a tightly sealed glass jar in a cool, dry place, or freeze.

ROASTED OR GRILLED VEGETABLES WITH FENNEL AND WALNUT BUTTER

Steps:

• Vegetables -- Mix the vegetables and fennel with the olive oil, salt and pepper and toss well.
• Bake -- on a foil lined baking or cookie sheet at 450 for 12-20 minutes until golden brown. Add to a small bowl and cover.
• Butter -- Mix the butter in a measuring cup and add the nuts and mix well. Now toss the melted butter with the roasted sprouts and fennel. Toss well to coat. Add any additional seasoning if necessary.
• Now -- clean up. Melt the butter and nuts in the bowl you use to serve the sprouts in, one less dish. Very easy simple dish. But try this with other vegetables. Also, don't be afraid to try macadamia nuts with snap peas or pecans with butternut squash. Many different combinations you can use.
• Option: Sometimes will crumble a little blue cheese or goat cheese over the top which is really good.

ROASTED FENNEL AND RED ONIONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Cut each fennel bulb lengthwise into 8 wedges and in a roasting pan toss fennel and onions with butter, oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Roast vegetables, stirring once halfway through roasting, 25 minutes, or until tender. Add vinegar to vegetables and toss to coat.

WALNUT AND ROASTED FENNEL PASTA

Steps:

• Fennel -- Heat the oven to 400. On a small baking sheet, line with either foil or parchment and add the fennel and drizzle with some olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes until it starts to brown and it begins to soften. Not too soft - you still want it slightly crisp. Remove and keep warm.
• Sauce -- Mix the walnuts, parsley, ricotta, garlic, salt and pepper to taste.
• Pasta -- Cook according to directions. Drain and set to the side, but keep warm. Reserve a little of the pasta water to thin out the sauce just a bit.
• Combine -- In a large bowl, add the ricotta sauce and the fennel to the pasta and mix well. If you would like the sauce a bit thinner, just add a little of the pasta water. Garnish with some fresh parsley, walnuts and even fresh grated parmesan if you want. ENJOY!