About 

Fennel is native to the Southern Mediterranean. It has a fragrant aniseed flavour. It is milder and sweeter than anise. It was used as a food and medicine by the ancient Egyptians. In Greek, the word fennel translates to Máratho due to its abundance in Marathon (the birthplace of the Olympics). It is grown throughout the Mediterranean, Europe, India, and America. It is used to flavour soups, broths, vegetables dishes, meats and seafoods. It is also used as a digestive and breath freshener.   

Uses & Ideas 

Braised chickpeas or cannellini beans – Sauté sliced onion and garlic in olive oil. Add ground fennel, cayenne pepper, white wine (optional), chopped tomatoes and water. Add chickpeas (or cannellini beans), cover slow braise for around 90 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. 

Rub pork (loin, fillet, belly, cutlets, or shoulder) with olive oil and season with a mixture of sea salt, white pepper, ground fennel and orange zest. Rest the rubbed meat at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.        

Add ground fennel to seafood soups, rich tomato soups, pasta sauces and seafood sauces.

Crispy fried chicken nuggets - Add ground fennel, sea salt, black pepper, and chipotle powder to potato starch or corn flour. Slice chicken thigh meat into bite sized pieces and shake in a bag of the seasoning. Deep fry in vegetable oil, serve with chipotle aioli.