Delicious Baked Fennel with Pine Nuts and Raisins
Looking for a side dish that will bring a burst of freshness and flavor to your table? Delicious Baked Fennel with Pine Nuts and Raisins is the perfect answer. Not only is this dish incredibly delicious, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare.
I still remember when my grandma used to make this dish: the intoxicating aroma that filled the kitchen as the fennel baked was the promise of a meal rich in flavors and tradition. Now it’s your turn to create that familiar warmth! The combination of the sweetness of the fennel with the crunchiness of the toasted pine nuts and the soft raisins is something you absolutely have to try.
Every bite will take you on a culinary journey where rustic notes meet the sophistication of selected ingredients. And if you want to add that special touch, sliced almonds will give the dish that extra irresistible crunch. Get ready to impress your guests or pamper yourself with a dinner all for you!
Recipe Notes
- EASE: Easy and quick to prepare in just 20 minutes.
- PROS: Rich flavor and crunchiness thanks to the pine nuts and raisins.
- PREPARATION: Sauté the onion, toast the pine nuts and raisins, then bake in the oven.
- NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Approximately 150 calories per serving, light and tasty.
Ingredients Notes
- Fennel: Packed with fiber and vitamins, with a sweet, anise flavor
- Pine nuts: Bring healthy fats and a crunchy touch to the dish
- Golden raisins: Natural sweetness and a contrast in texture
- Breadcrumbs and Grated Parmesan: Provide crunchiness and flavor
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and baking
Nutritional Aspects
These baked fennel bulbs offer a blend of flavors and nutritional benefits:
- Rich in fiber, fennel promotes good digestion.
- Pine nuts and raisins provide natural antioxidants.
- Moderate calorie content, perfect for balanced diets.
- Parmesan adds calcium for stronger bones.
- Olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, for healthy fats.
- Low in saturated fats, contributing to a healthy diet.
Baked Fennel with Pine Nuts and Raisins Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g Fennel
- 1 Onion
- 2 tablespoons Pine Nuts
- 1 tablespoon Sultana Raisins softened in hot water
- 2 tablespoons Breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese grated
- to taste Salt
- to taste Olive Oil
Instructions
- Start by cleaning the fennel, removing the tougher outer parts, and cutting them into wedges. Boil them in salted water until tender but still crunchy.
- Meanwhile, finely chop the onion and sauté it in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Add the pine nuts and let them toast with the onion, then incorporate the softened and squeezed raisins.
- Add the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing the ingredients well and adjusting for salt.
- Place the boiled fennel wedges in a baking dish and cover them with the prepared sauce.
- Bake at 180°C for about 10 minutes or until the surface is nicely gratinated.
Notes
Delicious Baked Fennel Variations with Pine Nuts and Raisins Recipe
Try these variations to customize the recipe:
- Add some Kalamata olives for a salty and Mediterranean touch.
- Swap the raisins with dates for a more intense and sweet flavor.
- Give it a try by gratinating everything with pecorino cheese instead of Parmesan.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Recipe
If you have any doubts or curiosity, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about making this delightful side dish here.
How can I make the dish crunchier?
Add a handful of sliced almonds along with the pine nuts during the toasting phase for an extra crunchy touch.
Can I substitute the raisins with another ingredient?
Yes, you can replace the raisins with other dried fruits like dried figs or apricots to vary the dish’s flavor.
How can I adapt the recipe to make it vegan?
You can substitute the grated Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast flakes to achieve a similar flavor without using dairy products.
