The Best Roasted Fennel

Name: The Best Roasted Fennel
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H20M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT0H55M0.000S
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 large bulbs fennel (about 2 pounds, with 2 inches of tops intact); 4 sprigs thyme; 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (about 1 tablespoon); 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Kosher salt; 1 small lemon, cut into wedges, for serving

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Level: Easy

Total: 55 min
Active: 20 min

Yield: 4 servings

Fennel sometimes plays second fiddle to other vegetables, but it is the true star in this simple but impressive side dish. Roasting the fennel until tender and almost creamy mellows its usual licorice flavor and brings out a touch of natural sweetness. Even if you don't normally like fennel, give this delicious dish a try. You might be surprised.

Level: Easy

Total: 55 min
Active: 20 min

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

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2 large bulbs fennel (about 2 pounds, with 2 inches of tops intact)

4 sprigs thyme

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (about 1 tablespoon)

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Kosher salt

1 small lemon, cut into wedges, for serving

Directions

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 475 degrees F.
Pick 2 tablespoons of the tender green fronds from the tops of the fennel bulbs and set aside. Cut the remaining top and bottom from each fennel bulb, then cut the bulb in half lengthwise through the core. Use the tip of the knife to cut an upside-down "V" on the bottom of each bulb to remove most of the core, leaving just enough so the bulb stays intact. Cut each half through the core into wedges, about 1/4 inch thick.
Add the fennel bulb, thyme, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes and 3/4 teaspoon salt to a large bowl and toss until evenly coated. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet.
Roast in the oven until the fennel is very tender and lightly browned in spots, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, top with the reserved fennel fronds and serve with the lemon wedges.