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Sautéed Fennel with Almonds, Raisins, and Saffron

4.6

(27)

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Sautéed Fennel with Almonds, Raisins, and SaffronJohn Kernick

Carena brings an almost Moroccan sensibility to this delicious play of sweet and savory, from the crisp-tender fennel to the orange essences and underlying traces of saffron and raisins.

Cooks' note:

Dish can be cooked 1 day ahead and chilled.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    45 min (includes cooling)

  • Yield

    Serves 4 (first course)

Ingredients

2 fennel bulbs (1 pound total), stalks discarded
1/4 cup whole almonds (preferably Marcona), lightly toasted
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
10 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 cup raisins
2 teaspoons whole coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
Pinch of saffron threads, crumbled
1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Garnish:

fennel fronds and chervil leaves

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Slice fennel lengthwise 1/4 inch thick. Coarsely crush almonds by firmly rolling over them with a rolling pin.

    Step 2

    Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then sauté fennel with garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper until crisp-tender, about 6 minutes. Stir in almonds, raisins, coriander, zest, juice, and saffron and sauté until raisins start to plump, about 2 minutes.

    Step 3

    Stir in cilantro just before serving at room temperature.

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