Ingredients and Weight:
- Fennel bulbs: 300 grams (easily available in supermarkets)
- Chicken broth: 1 liter
- Heavy cream: 200 ml
- Butter: 50 grams
- Salt: to taste
- White pepper: to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh thyme: a sprig
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Prepare the fennel: Trim the fennel bulbs, remove the outer layer and discard. Slice the bulbs into thin pieces.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large pot, melt the butter and add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and slightly golden.
- Add chicken broth: Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring to a boil.
- Add fennel slices: Place the sliced fennel into the boiling broth and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the fennel is tender.
- Blend the soup: Remove the pot from heat and using a blender, puree the soup until smooth. Return the soup to the pot.
- Add cream and seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt, white pepper, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme and serve hot.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg (depending on salt usage)
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and rich in flavor, with a hint of licorice-like sweetness from the fennel.
- Slightly garlicky and oniony, making it comforting for colder weather.
User Comments:
- "The flavor of fennel was very unique and refreshing in this soup."
- "The texture of the soup was very smooth and creamy."
- "I loved how this soup was both hearty and comforting."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Ensure that the fennel is fully cooked before blending to retain its best flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference as each person may have different tastes.
- For a richer flavor, you can use chicken or vegetable stock that has been cooked for hours for maximum flavor extraction.
