Italian > Appetizer

Grilled Fennel with Parmesan Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 large fennel bulbs, trimmed and sliced into 1/2-inch thick wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, toss fennel wedges with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Grill fennel wedges for 3-4 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and fennel is tender.
4. Remove fennel from grill and transfer to a serving platter.
5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the grilled fennel.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
7. Serve immediately.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 8-10 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill or grill pan set to medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fennel can be substituted with other vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with other hard cheeses such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.

Variations:
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice over the grilled fennel for a citrusy twist.
- Top the grilled fennel with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for added texture.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the fennel into even wedges to ensure even cooking.
- If using a grill pan, make sure to preheat the pan before adding the fennel wedges.
- Use a vegetable peeler to shave thin slices of Parmesan cheese for a more delicate presentation.

Storage instructions:
- Grilled fennel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the grilled fennel on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the grilled fennel on a bed of arugula or mixed greens for a colorful presentation.
- Arrange the fennel wedges in a circular pattern on a large platter for a visually appealing display.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Shaved Parmesan cheese
- Toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs

Pairings:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Crusty bread or focaccia

Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled asparagus
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Tomato and mozzarella salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the fennel is not tender after grilling, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for an additional 5-7 minutes until cooked through.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the fennel thoroughly before slicing and grilling.

Food history:
- Fennel is a vegetable that has been used in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. It is known for its licorice-like flavor and is often used in salads, soups, and roasted dishes.

Flavor profiles:
- The grilled fennel has a smoky and slightly sweet flavor, while the Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the grilled fennel as a side dish or appetizer at a summer barbecue or dinner party.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Umami, Nutty, Aromatic, Tangy, Creamy