Sweet and Sour Pickled Fennel

Ingredients and Weight:

• Fennel bulbs: 500 grams (approx. 1 large bulb)
• Red onion: 1 medium, peeled and sliced
• Apple cider vinegar: 300 ml
• Organic cane sugar: 5 tablespoons
• Ketchup: 2 tablespoons
• Mustard: 1 tablespoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
• Fresh herbs (e.g., basil or oregano) for garnish

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the fennel bulb into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. In a small bowl, mix vinegar, sugar, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and cumin (if using). Set aside.
4. Arrange the fennel slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes until edges are slightly browned.
5. While the fennel is baking, prepare the pickling sauce by mixing the vinegar mixture with sliced red onions. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Remove fennel from the oven and immediately transfer into the pickling sauce. Let cool to room temperature.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 3g

Dish Characteristics:

• Sweet and sour flavor profile, with a hint of spice from the mustard.
• Fennel's unique flavor is both sweet and slightly licorice-like, making it a perfect match for pickling.
• The dish is both refreshing and hearty, making it suitable for both appetizers and as a side dish.

User Comments:

1. "The flavors were amazing! The sweet and sour balance was spot on." - John Doe
2. "I loved the texture of the fennel—it was so crispy and held up well in the pickling process." - Jane Smith
3. "Great dish for a summer barbecue—pairs well with grilled meats." - David Johnson

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 the seasoning according to taste—more sugar or vinegar can be added for a stronger sweet or sour flavor, respectively.