Baked Fennel Sticks au Gratin

With pleasure! Baked fennel sticks au gratin are a light and tasty side dish, easy to prepare and perfect to accompany meat or fish dishes. Here is the recipe with a small Italian twist.

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized fennel bulbs
• 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• 100 g of breadcrumbs
• Extra virgin olive oil as needed
• Salt as needed
• Freshly ground black pepper as needed
• 1 bunch of fresh parsley (optional)
• 1 clove of garlic (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200° C.
2. Clean the fennel by removing the toughest outer parts and the bases. Then cut them into sticks, trying to keep them the same size for even cooking.
3. Place the fennel sticks in a pot with lightly salted boiling water and cook for about 3-5 minutes. They should not become too soft, but just softened.
4. Drain them and let them cool on a kitchen towel to remove excess water.
5. In the meantime, in a bowl, mix the Parmesan with the breadcrumbs. If desired, also add chopped parsley and powdered garlic for an aromatic touch.
6. Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper and place the fennel sticks side by side without overlapping.
7. Drizzle the sticks with extra virgin olive oil, and then cover each stick with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make the mixture adhere.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
9. Bake the fennel sticks and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.
10. Once ready, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Curiosity

Fennel is a versatile vegetable rich in beneficial properties; traditionally used in Mediterranean cuisine, it is known for its slightly sweet and aniseed flavor. Combined with the bold flavor of Parmesan and the crunchiness of breadcrumbs, it transforms into a dish full of contrasts and flavors. Additionally, as a side dish, it can accompany a myriad of main courses, enriching the meal with its lightness and freshness.