fennel bulb recipes

A proper savoury tart where thick slices of fennel are slowly cooked down until deeply golden and sweet, then laid over a rich Gruyère custard in a buttery shortcrust case. The anise notes of the fennel mellow entirely in the pan, leaving something almost jammy and intensely savoury. This is the kind of thing worth making on a weekend afternoon — it rewards patience and it is stunning.

Bone-in chicken thighs braised low and slow in a fragrant tomato sauce loaded with fennel, saffron and white wine — this is sunshine in a pot. The fennel breaks down into silky, yielding pieces that absorb all the cooking juices, and the saffron turns the sauce a deep golden amber. Serve over couscous or with crusty bread to mop up every last drop.

This Sicilian-style salad is one of the best things you can do with a fennel bulb and it takes under 20 minutes from start to plate. Thinly shaved raw fennel has a crisp, refreshing bite that pairs brilliantly with sweet autumn oranges and briny olives, all dressed in nothing more than good olive oil and a little salt. It works as a punchy side dish or, piled onto bruschetta, as a starter.

Thick slabs of fennel are roasted until caramelised and sticky under a deeply savoury miso and mirin glaze, then served over cold sesame soba noodles with cucumber and spring onion. The fennel's anise sweetness plays brilliantly against the umami-rich glaze, and the whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes. It is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels far more considered than the effort involved.