From salads to soups: 5 creative ways to use fennel
What's the story
Fennel, known for its distinctive anise-like flavor, is a game-changer in vegan cooking, turning simple dishes into aromatic masterpieces. This article features five creative ways to use fennel in your kitchen, elevating flavors while adding a healthy touch to your meals. Whether in salads or soups, fennel's versatility makes it a vegan cuisine secret weapon.
Pesto twist
Fennel frond pesto
Ditch the basil and reach for those fennel fronds for a pesto that will knock your socks off. Just blend the fronds with garlic, nuts, nutritional yeast, and olive oil for a creamy dream of a sauce. Toss this pesto with pasta or slather it on sandwiches and wraps for a burst of flavor. Tasty and waste-free, this is one sauce that uses the whole fennel plant.
Soup season
Roasted fennel and carrot soup
Roasting fennel bulbs and carrots caramelizes them and brings out their natural sweetness, making them the ideal base for a comforting soup. Simply blend the roasted veggies with vegetable broth and your favorite seasonings until smooth. Enjoy this soup hot on a cold day, or try it chilled during the summer for a refreshing cold soup!
Salad days
Crunchy fennel salad
If you're looking for a refreshing change to your meals, adding thinly sliced raw fennel to your salads is a game-changer. Its crispness pairs beautifully with leafy greens, and its unique licorice flavor introduces a whole new dimension to your palate. Toss it with oranges, avocados, and toasted nuts, then drizzle it with a lemon vinaigrette for a zesty lunch that's both nutritious and bursting with flavor.
Side star
Braised fennel side dish
Braising fennel bulbs in vegetable broth with herbs turns them into tender morsels that practically dissolve on your tongue. This process tames the bulb's natural bite while amplifying its inherent sweetness. Pair braised fennel with grains such as quinoa or couscous for a sophisticated side dish that complements a wide range of main courses.
Tea time
Fennel seed tea
Fennel seeds have long been praised for their digestive properties, and brewing them into a tea creates a comforting drink that's great for your gut. Just let crushed fennel seeds infuse in boiling water for five to ten minutes, then strain them out. Feel free to add honey or lemon for taste, but even by itself, this tea is deliciously sweet - think licorice, but better!