Giada Lemon-Roasted Fennel

Whip up this zesty Giada Lemon-Roasted Fennel with just 7 ingredients and in 45 minutes! Featuring fennel, lemons, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley, it’s a flavorful side dish that’s sure to impress. Serve it warm, garnished with extra parsley, for that extra flair.

Recipe Ingredients

4 fennel bulbs, cored, cut horizontally into ¹/³-inch-thick slices, fronds reserved
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 garlic clove, sliced
¹/³ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

How To Make Giada Lemon-Roasted Fennel

Roast the Fennel

Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly oil a 13 × 9 × 2-inch baking dish.
Arrange Fennel: Arrange the fennel slices in a single layer in the dish.
Add Seasonings: Sprinkle with salt, lemon zest, and garlic.
Top with Cheese and Oil: Top with Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with Fronds: Sprinkle with chopped fennel fronds and serve warm.

Recipe Tips

Fennel Preparation: To avoid the bitterness that can come with under-caramelized fennel, make sure to cook it for at least 25 minutes, or until tender and golden brown, then season with salt to balance the flavor.
Citrus Variations: Experiment with different citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits to add unique twists to this recipe, and adjust the amount of zest according to the individual citrus’s bitterness and flavor profile.
Herb Expansion: Take the dish to the next level by incorporating additional herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley, which complement the anise flavor of fennel and create a more complex flavor profile.
Meal Prep: Transform this side dish into a meal prep powerhouse by serving it with protein sources like grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu, and adding some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Storage and Reheating: To ensure the best flavor and texture, store the roasted fennel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Can I use red fennel instead of regular fennel?

Yes, you can use red fennel, but it may give a slightly sweet and earthy flavor to the dish.

Do I need to use freshly shredded Parmesan cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded Parmesan cheese will provide a richer, more complex flavor.

Can I roast the fennel ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the fennel up to a day in advance, but it’s best to add the cheese and oil just before serving.

What if I don’t have kosher salt?

You can substitute kosher salt with regular salt, but reduce the amount to u0026frac34; teaspoon as kosher salt is milder.

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