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Roasted Fennel in Ouzo and Olive Oil

ByElena Paravantes

roasted fennel

The fennel bulb is generally not very common in Greek cooking whereas the fennel leaves are part of a very popular Cretan dish fennel pies – marathopites. The greens are also used in fritters, cooked with beans and seafood. I have never used the fennel bulb apart from adding it raw to a salad, so roasting it seemed simple enough. I added the ouzo to bring out even more the anise flavor that can be lost during roasting. Along with olive oil and some nice thick salt, this was delicious. We also dipped some cretan barley rusks in the olive oil and it was a nice, light evening meal.

Fennel is very low in calories and a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and the carotenoids and antioxidants: beta-carotene and lutein. Another simple vegetable dish to have as a side or a small meal.

Roasted Fennel in Ouzo and Olive Oil

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 fennel bulb
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 shot ouzo
  • Salt/pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 Celsius)

2. Peel the outer layer of the fennel bulb and cut off the greens, cut in half- inch slices.

3. Place the fennel in oven proof dish, add the olive oil and the ouzo and mix gently.

4. Roast for about 45 minutes until soft.

5. Add pepper and sprinkle salt to taste.

Photo by Elena Paravantes

Elena Paravantes, MS, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist by the U.S. Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). She is an expert on the Mediterranean Diet. She has been active as a clinician, consultant, author and lecturer for 20 years, both in the U.S. and Greece. An expert on the Greek Mediterranean Diet, her interviews and articles have been published in many publications including CNN, U.S. News and World Report, Prevention, NPR, and Shape. Elena has collaborated with a number of organizations including Loyola University, Yale University, University of Missouri, Louisiana State University, and the American College of Greece. Elena earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics and her Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She holds has a Master’s Degree of Science in Health Management.

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6 Comments

  3. I make this often (without ouzo) and put some cherry tomatoes in halves between the fennel. Very tasty oil to dip your rusks in:-)
    You are right, the fennel can lose some taste during roasting. Next time I’ll add ouzo too. Great idea, thank you!

    Reply