Grilled fennel is a game-changer in the world of side dishes, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This recipe brings out fennel’s natural sweetness, pairing it with the sharpness of Parmesan and the brightness of lemon. Perfect for any meal, it’s an easy and elegant way to elevate your dinner table. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen repertoire.
Steps
- Remove the stalks and fronds from a large fennel bulb, keeping the core intact for stability. Stand the bulb upright and slice it in half vertically from top to bottom.
- Take each fennel half and cut it into four 1/4-inch thick slices, resulting in a total of eight slices. Lightly spray both sides of each slice with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan over medium-high heat and spray with olive oil. Grill the fennel slices, turning them until they are charred on each side and tender, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Once grilled, arrange the fennel on a serving platter. Drizzle with additional olive oil and lemon juice, then finish by sprinkling shaved Parmigiano Reggiano on top. Serve while warm.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fennel bulb (1 large), stalks and fronds removed
- Olive oil spray
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 oz Parmigiano Reggiano, shaved
Nutritional Values
Calories: 232 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 12 g | Saturated Fat: 3.2 g | Cholesterol: 10.4 mg | Sodium: 424 mg | Fiber: 12 g
FAQ
- What are the main ingredients needed for Grilled Fennel with Parmesan and Lemon?
- To prepare this dish, you’ll need a large fennel bulb, olive oil spray, kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.
- How do you prepare the fennel for grilling?
- Keep the core intact to maintain the slices’ shape, then cut the bulb in half vertically. Slice each half into four 1/4-inch thick pieces, resulting in eight slices. Coat each side with olive oil spray, and season with salt and pepper.
- What is the grilling process for the fennel?
- Heat an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan over medium-high heat. Spray the grill with olive oil, and grill the fennel slices, turning them until they have a nice char and are tender, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
- How is the grilled fennel served?
- Once grilled, place the fennel slices on a platter, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and finish with parmesan shavings. Serve the dish warm.
- What are the nutritional benefits of eating fennel?
- Fennel is a good source of potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium, making it a nutritious addition to your meals.
Tips
- Ensure the fennel’s core remains intact when slicing, as this will help maintain the slices’ shape during grilling.
- Use an olive oil spray to lightly coat each fennel slice before seasoning with salt and pepper for even coverage and flavor enhancement.
- Achieve a tender texture and charred edges by grilling the fennel over medium-high heat, turning it every 2 to 3 minutes.
- For added flavor, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice after grilling, and finish with Parmigiano Reggiano shavings before serving warm.
Equipment
- Outdoor grill or indoor grill pan
- Olive oil spray bottle
