| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 475 | 34g | 8g | 33g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 7g | 16g | 0.35g |
The Fennel Gratin with Parmesan and Lemon is a dish that has warmed my heart and stomach countless times. While it may not be born from the heartland of Nebraska, my homeland, it certainly satisfies the appetite and spirit just as effortlessly as the dishes I grew up loving. In fact, one whiff of the baking fennel filled with Parmesan and lemon zest, and you might even think you’ve been transported to a cozy Midwestern kitchen, where love — and not salt — seasons the food.
In my many culinary adventures, I’ve learned that simplicity and authenticity make the best recipes, and this Fennel Gratin with Parmesan and Lemon is no exception. The pulpy fennel, draped in olive oil, glistening with lemon juice, and generously blanketed by freshly grated Parmesan is a feast for the senses. It embraces you with its aromatic, fresh, and tangy fragrance before capturing your palate with its flavors — each ingredient shining but harmoniously blending with the others.
The Love for Fennel Gratin
At the heart of this recipe is the fennel — a humble vegetable with surprising health benefits. Yes, it’s deliciously crunchy and subtly sweet, but did you know that fennel is also rich in dietary fiber and packs a punch of vitamins and minerals? Aside from being heart-friendly, fennel may also aid in digestion and boost your immunity.
On the other hand, lemon and olive oil, both staples in this recipe, promote heart health due to their antioxidant properties. And while cheese often gets a bad rep in healthy eating circles, Parmesan — in moderation, of course — adds a delightful kick of calcium and protein to this dish.
The Versatility of the Gratin
One of the reasons I love this dish is its versatility. If you think about it, Fennel Gratin with Parmesan and Lemon is not far off from a classic, comforting potato gratin. Yet it steps up the freshness, making it a wonderful addition to your spring meal or summer barbecues. It’s perfect as a standalone dish for vegetarians or paired with a tender roast chicken or a juicy steak for meat lovers. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a small intimate dinner, this gratin is bound to be a hit.
It’s dishes like these that challenge the stereotype that comfort food has to be heavy or unhealthy. This Fennel Gratin with Parmesan and Lemon shows that fresh, wholesome ingredients can deliver comfort — proof that heartland cooking isn’t just about corn casseroles and beef stews. It’s about good, honest food that warms the belly and the heart. If you’re interested in making this at home, you can find the recipe here.
What You’ll Need
- 3 large fennel bulbs
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 and 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup of bread crumbs
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Step Two
Begin by preparing the fennel bulbs. Cut off the top stalks and slice the bulb into quarters, removing the hard core. Once the fennel is prepared, arrange the pieces in a large baking dish.
Step Three
Drizzle the fennel with 1/2 cup of olive oil, then season with salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything together until well mixed.
Step Four
Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the fennel is tender and golden brown, stirring occasionally.
Step Five
While the fennel is roasting, prepare the cheese mixture. In a bowl, combine 1 and 1/2 cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, the juice and zest of 2 lemons, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Step Six
Remove the fennel from the oven and sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the top.
Step Seven
Spread 1 cup of bread crumbs evenly over the cheese layer. Return the dish to the oven and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are golden brown and crispy.
Step Eight
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. This gratin pairs beautifully with roast meats or as a side dish for a special dinner. Enjoy!
