Braised Fennel with Apricots and Figs

Name: Braised Fennel with Apricots and Figs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 medium fennel bulbs - fronds removed - See Note 1, if you don't have fennel available; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 10-12 dried apricots; 8-10 dried figs, cut in half; 1/8 - 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped (optional)

Apr 4, 2018 -May contain affiliate links

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·5 from 9 reviews

If you've never tried braised fennel, you are in for a treat. Sweet, savory, and delicious, it's a side dish that will surely impress. Adding apricots and figs is a smart and sophisticated approach that adds gorgeous flavor and color.

Close up of Braised Fennel with Apricots & Figs in a skillet over a yellow cloth napkin

This tasty braised fennel recipe is vegan and gluten-free. It's also a great Passover recipe you can enjoy all year round!

What is Fennel?

Fennel is one of nature’s most surprising vegetables. The odd-looking love child of onion, celery, and a banzai tree, fennel may look like it was drawn by Dr. Suess, but bite into one, and you’ll get a flavorful shot of sweet anise and licorice, a satisfying crunch, and a healthy dose of Vitamin C, iron, fiber, and potassium. Surprisingly, fennel is a vegetable from the carrot family with a texture similar to crunchy celery. It can be eaten raw or cooked. Raw fennel has a fresh licorice flavor; if you roast or sautee it, it develops a mildly sweet taste that takes this vegetable to a whole new level.

How to Cut a Fennel Bulb

Place the fennel bulb on a cutting board.
Cut off the fronds. Wash them. You can use the fennel fronds to flavor soups or add them to your salad.
Cut the fennel in half.
Remove the core by cutting it with a knife. (optional)
Slice, dice, or chop, depending on your recipe.

A whole fennel bulb on a wood cutting board — Fennel Bulb

Cutting the fronds out of a fennel bulb — Fennel Bulb

Ingredients for Braised Fennel

Medium Fennel Bulbs.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Salt and Black Pepper.
Orange Juice.
Dry White Wine.
Dried Apricots.
Dried Figs.
Shelled Pistachios.

overhead shot of the ingredients needed to make braised fennel. The ingredients are in small bowls and each one is labeled.

What is Braising?

The use of liquid to cook meat or vegetables is called braising. It is not fully covered in liquid as it would be in a boil, but partially covered in liquid, which is used to add flavor. Sometimes, the liquid is then used to form a sauce at the end of the cooking process.

How to Braise Fennel

Remove the fronds from the fennel. Cut the bulb in half, lengthwise, and slice each half into three pieces.

Close up of raw fennel cut into quarters

Season generously on both sides and arrange the slices in a large, deep skillet.

Close up of raw fennel quarters sprinkled with black pepper in a skillet

Cook on medium to medium-high heat until the fennel is caramelized.

Close up of caramelized fennel quarters in a skillet

Add orange juice, white wine, and dried fruit.

Close up of Braised Fennel with Apricots & Figs in a skillet cooking on the stove

Simmer until tender, about 45 minutes.

Close up of Braised Fennel with Apricots & Figs in a skillet

Tips for Success

Large fennel bulbs have begun to toughen and lose flavor. In addition, they are more difficult to cook. Look for medium fennel bulbs that are bright and crisp with no brown spots or wilted fronds.

Small pieces of the frond can be saved to garnish your dish.

Just like with Brussels sprouts, don't slice off the end of the fennel bulb where all the layers are held together.

overhead shot of sliced fennel in a saucepan.

overhead shot of sliced fennel in a saucepan, some pieces are begin to turn golden brown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does braised fennel taste like?

Fennel is one of those vegetables that people either love or hate, primarily because of its strong licorice taste when raw. What most people don't realize, however, is how much fennel changes once it's cooked. That strong, licorice taste almost disappears; all you're left with is a sweet flavor and slightly buttery texture. And if you're not convinced, check out this super simple braised fennel recipe. It might make you change your mind!

How long do I braise fennel?

It takes about five to seven minutes to caramelize the fennel before the liquid is added and then about forty-five minutes to braise it to a fork-tender completion. The total process should take no more than an hour, and this time can vary depending on how thick and ripe your fennel is when you begin.

What does braised fennel go with?

Everything! This beautiful side dish is a quintessential vegetable you can pair with almost any main dish.

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