Fennel in Wine and Honey

Ingredients and Weight:

• Fennel bulbs: 500 grams (about 1 pound)
• Red wine: 300 ml (about 1 cup)
• Honey: 5 tablespoons
• Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Freshly ground black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Thinly sliced garlic: 2 cloves
• Fresh thyme: 1 sprig (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Slice the fennel bulbs into 1/2 inch thick pieces and place them in a baking dish.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the fennel and season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix the red wine and honey together in a small bowl and pour over the fennel.
5. Add the garlic and thyme sprigs (if using) to the dish.
6. Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the cover and bake for another 15 minutes, until the fennel is tender and the sauce is slightly reduced.
8. Serve warm with your choice of protein or as a vegetarian main dish.

Nutritional Information:

(Based on average values, may vary depending on specific ingredients used)

• Calories: 260
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g

Dish Characteristics:

• Sweet and savory flavor combination with the use of wine and honey.
• Tender fennel with a rich, caramelized coating.
• Pairs well with red meat, poultry, or as a vegetarian dish.

User Comments:

1. "The combination of wine and honey was amazing! The fennel was so tender and full of flavor."
2. "This dish was a hit at my dinner party! The sweet and savory balance was perfect."
3. "I served this as a vegetarian main dish and it was a big hit. The flavors were rich and complex."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use high-quality red wine for best flavor results.
• Adjust the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness.
• Fennel may vary in size, so adjust slicing thickness accordingly.