Grilled Fresh Fennel
What's crunchy, sweet, and full of phytonutrients?
You guessed it! It's fennel, and if you're not already cooking with this delicious vege ─ and enjoying its many health benefits ─ it's time. An excellent source of Vitamin C, fennel also contains calcium, iron, and great dietary fiber. But perhaps most exciting is the phytonutrient compound, anethole, found in the oil. Research has shown again and again that fennel's anethole reduces inflammation and helps prevent cancer. Oh, and fennel is also is great for digestion!
How do I buy the best fennel, you ask?
Look for clean, firm bulbs (this means no splitting or spotting) that are white or pale green. Stalks should be pretty straight and not hang to the sides much. Choose green stalks and leaves that do not have flowering buds (that would mean the fennel is past maturity). Then do the sniff test. Fresh fennel smells lovely, giving off a hint of licorice.
Enjoy this easy, tasty, and nutritious grilled fennel recipe. Guaranteed to enrich any meal or snack time!
Ingredients:
- 3 fennel bulbs
- extra virgin olive oilceltic
- celtic sea salt
- lemon or lime juice vegetable oil (for lubricating grill grate)
- 1/4 cup of fresh, chopped parsley
Directions:
Lubricate grill grate with a little vege oil. Rinse fennel well, then cut off roots and stalks (you can discard stalks or save to use in soups or stews). Take remaining bulbs and slice into wedges, slicing vertically, through bulbs. Mix with a little olive oil, then place on grill and cook for about 15 minutes (make sure you grill all sides of bulb). Remove bulbs when tender. Top with a little citric juice, add a touch of sea salt, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and prepare for a satisfying treat.