Crispy Cream Braised Potatoes And Fennel Recipes

BRAISED FENNEL AND POTATOES

Steps:

• Chop enough fennel fronds to measure 2 tablespoons, then cut off and discard stalks from bulb. Quarter bulb lengthwise and core, then cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
• Cook fennel, onion, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cut potatoes crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
• Add potatoes and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt to fennel mixture and cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, 3 minutes. Add water and cook, covered, stirring once, until potatoes are tender, 10 to 12 minutes more. Stir in fennel fronds before serving.

CRISPY CREAM-BRAISED POTATOES AND FENNEL

Steps:

• cut fennel lengthwise into wedges about 1.5" wide (leaving core intact).
• In a 3 to 4 quart pan, combine potatoes, fennel wedges, bay leaf, and fennel seed. Add enough half-and-half to fully cover the potatoes and fennel. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Over medium-high heat, bring the half-and-half to a simmer, then lower heat to just maintain the simmer. Cook until the potatoes and fennel are soft and tender, about 20 minutes. Take off the heat. The potatoes and fennel should be fully cooked at this point.
• While potatoes and fennel are braising, preheat broiler to medium-high. In a small bowl, combine rosemary, thyme, pecorino, and orange zest.
• Remove potatoes and fennel wedges from the half-and-half with a spider or slotted spoon, and transfer them to a gratin or casserole dish. Some of the half-and-half will cling to the vegetables, which is a good thing. Make sure to generously coat the bottom with olive oil to prevent sticking. Taste the potatoes and fennel for seasoning - if you need more salt or pepper, add them now. Toss with olive oil (about 1 tablespoon), then the herb-cheese-orange zest mixture. Arrange the potatoes and fennel wedges in a single layer to promote even browning.
• Place the casserole dish under the broiler (about 6 inches away from the source of heat). Broil for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the potatoes and fennel are caramelized and crispy around the edges. (I typically brown the vegetables more than the ones in the picture above -- just leave them under the broiler until they've reached your desired crispness!).

BRAISED FENNEL AND POTATOES

Steps:

• Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch slices and fennel into 1/4-inch wedges; reserve fronds. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add fennel and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on both sides, 8 minutes. Add potatoes and cook until golden, about 3 minutes. Stir in broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender, about 12 minutes. Sprinkle with fennel fronds and serve with lemon wedges.