成人快手

by Delia Smith

This simple fennel recipe emphasises the fantastic flavour of a much maligned vegetable and transforms it into a sweet, silky side dish.

Side dishes

Buyer's guide

Look for small, blemish-free bulbs that are pale green, firm and tightly packed, which indicates crispness and freshness.

Preparation

Both the base and stems of Florence fennel can be cooked by braising or roasting, which make it sweet and tender. Cut off the root end and the leaves and peel the outer layer of skin away, then cut either downwards or across the bulb, then boil in salted water for about 15 minutes, or until tender. For those who like raw fennel, try mixing thin slices into a green salad or shredding it with citrus fruit. Fennel is excellent for making soup or it can be poached, steamed or briefly boiled.