Roasted Fennel Dish

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Fennel - 4 bulbs (approximately 800 grams)
2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 3 tablespoons
3. Kosher Salt - 1 teaspoon
4. Freshly Ground Black Pepper - ½ teaspoon
5. Herb Mix (e.g., rosemary, thyme) - 2 tablespoons

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 40 minutes
• Total: 60 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Clean the fennel bulbs, removing any damaged or tough outer layers.
3. Cut the fennel into quarters lengthwise, keeping the core intact.
4. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, and herb mix.
5. Toss the fennel quarters in the bowl to coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.
6. Arrange the fennel on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching for even roasting.
7. Roast for 40 minutes, or until the fennel is tender and caramelized on the edges.
8. Serve hot or warm with your choice of protein and side dish.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 200 per serving (assuming no additional oil or seasonings during serving)
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 6g (Approximate values may vary based on specific ingredients used)

Dish Characteristics:

• The roasted fennel has a sweet and slightly spicy taste, with a tender and crispy texture.
• The dish complements both vegetarian meals and as a side dish for meat or poultry.
• It pairs well with dishes that have rich flavors, allowing the fennel's natural sweetness to stand out.

User Comments:

1. "The roasted fennel was a pleasant surprise! The sweet and savory flavors were a great match for our grilled salmon."
2. "I loved how simple yet flavorful this dish was. It was a perfect side for our Thanksgiving dinner."
3. "The roasted fennel reminded me of home with its herbal flavors and sweet taste."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use fresh fennel bulbs for best results. If using canned or preserved fennel, adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Adjust seasoning according to personal preference, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
• This dish pairs well with a variety of proteins, including grilled meats, poultry, or even vegetarian main dishes like tofu or legumes.