Braised Fennel Pugliese

Delight your taste buds with the rustic elegance of Braised Fennel Pugliese, a quintessential Italian side dish that highlights the unique anise-like sweetness of fennel. This recipe transforms humble fennel bulbs into tender, caramelized perfection by searing them to golden brown before simmering gently in a flavorful blend of white wine, garlic, and vegetable broth. Enhanced with a touch of crushed red pepper for subtle heat and finished with optional Parmesan and parsley for a vibrant garnish, this dish is both simple and sophisticated. Serve it warm as a standout side to your favorite Italian mains or pair it with crusty bread for a light, fragrant meal. Perfectly balanced and deeply aromatic, Braised Fennel Pugliese is a must-try for lovers of Mediterranean flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 whole fennel bulbs
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 whole garlic cloves
• 1.5 cups vegetable broth
• 0.5 cups white wine
• 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Trim the fennel bulbs by removing the stalks and fronds. Slice each bulb in half lengthwise, then cut into thick wedges.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or braising pan over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the garlic cloves to the pan and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Remove and set aside the garlic to prevent burning.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and arrange the fennel wedges cut-side down in the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

Step 5

Season the fennel with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 6

Pour in the white wine, allowing it to deglaze the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 7

Add the vegetable broth to the pan and return the garlic cloves. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.

Step 8

Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the fennel to braise for 25-30 minutes, until tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 9

Remove the lid and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to reduce the braising liquid slightly and concentrate the flavors.

Step 10

Transfer the braised fennel and its sauce to a serving platter. If desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish.

Step 11

Serve warm as a side dish or with crusty bread for a light main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1295.5 grams (1295.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1084

Total Fat 63.30g	81%
Saturated Fat 17.60g	88%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.10g
Cholesterol 36mg	12%
Sodium 4247mg	185%
Total Carbohydrate 83.10g	30%
Dietary Fiber 26.00g	93%
Total Sugars 36.40g
Protein 38.90g	78%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1083mg	83%
Iron 8mg	43%
Potassium 3729mg	79%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.9%

Protein: 14.7%

Carbs: 31.4%