Ingredients and Weight:
- Fennel bulbs: 400 grams (about 2 large bulbs)
- Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Freshly ground black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Thinly sliced Parma ham or other good quality ham: 8 slices
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup
- Fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary or thyme): 1 tablespoon (chopped)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 40 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean and trim the fennel bulbs, then slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Arrange the fennel rounds on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Top each fennel round with a slice of Parma ham and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
- Bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the fennel is tender and starting to caramelize around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information:
(Based on provided ingredients)
- Calories: Approximately 250 per serving (assuming 8 servings total)
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 12g
Dish Characteristics:
- Delicate flavor of fennel combined with the rich taste of Parma ham and parmesan cheese.
- The dish showcases the natural sweetness of fennel, enhanced by the salty ham and creamy cheese.
- The combination of baking and melting the cheese in the oven creates a robust dish that pairs well with various proteins and side dishes.
User Comments:
- "This dish was a pleasant surprise! The combination of flavors was unique and delicious."
- "I loved the tenderness of the fennel and the rich taste of the ham and cheese."
- "The dish was a bit time-consuming to prepare, but it was worth it. The result was impressive."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to use fresh fennel bulbs for best results. If using canned or preserved fennel, adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Use good quality Parma ham or another thin, flavorful ham for best flavor pairing with the fennel.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal preference, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
