Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and fennel fronds. Add salt and a little olive oil to the garlic mixture.

Heat a little olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and evenly brown the fennel pieces. Transfer the fennel to a baking sheet and rub with the garlic mixture. Add the water and cover with aluminum foil. Bake until you can pierce the fennel with a fork. Remove the foil and finish roasting until all the liquid has cooked away.

This recipe was provided by professional chefs and has been scaled down from a bulk recipe provided by a restaurant. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe, in the proportions indicated, and therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results.