Fresh Fennel Vegetable Supplement
Florence fennel has a swollen leaf base,
somewhat like celery. In fact almost anything that can be done with
celery can be done with fennel. The crisp, overlapping ribbed stems are
delicious raw in salads and on crudités platters, but they can also be
grilled, steamed, braised, or pureed and added to sauces and soups.
Fennel is popular in France and is increasingly available in American
supermarkets but it is truly savored in Italy. Italians love fennel
prepared in many ways, including in a very simple dish called
Pinzimonio – crisp strips of raw fennel dipped in the finest available
extra-virgin olive oil that has been well seasoned with salt and
pepper. While it is simplicity itself, I have found that this method of
serving fennel is more than just simply delicious vegetable recipes.
This is certainly a very versatile vegetable that deserves a larger
place in American cooking, especially with the modern emphasis on
lightness.
Fennel supplements are low in fat and calories, is relatively high in vitamins A and
C, and potassium, and is a moderate source of fiber and calcium. |